
Class \~) l\ \ w 



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MEMOIRS 



AND 



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OP 

y ■ ■ ' 

MRS- MARY DEXTER, 

JjATE CONSORT OF REV. ELIJAH DEXTER, 

OF PLYMPTON. 






BY REV. WILLIAM TJTORREY* 



PRINTED BY SUBSCRIPTION AT THE OLD COLONY PRESS. 



PLYMOUTH, MASS- 
ALLEN DANFORTH, PRINTER 

1823, 



:{)477 






CONG/f^ 



rf<& 



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PREFACE. 



IN preparing this little volume for the press, the 
Compiler has discharged an office of friendship to a 
brother in the ministry, and endeavored to promote 
the interest of Zion. The publication was called for 
by numerous friends of the deceased, who were of the 
opinion that a selection from Mrs. Dexter's Diary and 
Letters would furnish an acceptable present to the 
christian public. Those letters, which gave delight 
and instruction upon the first perusal, they wished to 
circulate in the community, fully persuaded that their 
influence would be pure and salutary as far as it 
should extend. 

The Compiler entertains no sanguine expectations 
respecting the extensive circulation of this work. It 
will doubtless be read with most interest by those who 
cherished personal esteem and respect for Mrs. Dex- 
ter while living, and would commemorate her worth, 
now that she has departed. The partiality of friend- 
ship may also discover some excellencies in her episto- 
lary compositions, to which indifferent persons with 
critical discernment will be insensible. This little 
volume i s flBK|ed to circulate principally in the re- 
gion, whe^jB B|§|exter was personally known ; and ? 
since in that region the influence of her example, of 



4 Preface* 

her conversation, and of her letters was known to be 
salutary while she was living, it is but reasonable 
that her friends should wish to prolong that influence 
by publishing her letters after her decease. Mrs. 
Dexter, though dead, may still speak ; her voice, if 
heard from the grave, will be heard in the accents of 
humble piety and in support of the truth of God. 

Whoever peruses this book for the sake of gratify- 
ing a literary taste, or with the hope of finding able 
discussions on difficult points of doctrine,may be disap- 
pointed. Still we hope that it contains few offences 
against taste Which common courtesy will not excuse ; 
and few opinions in doctrine, which upon examination 
will not be found correct. The reader must expect* 
sentiment rather than argument ; and bursts of pious 
feeling which carry conviction only because we can 
witness to their truth by our own experience. The 
letters contain no peculiarities in doctrine, which 
attract a momentary attention, because they promise 
the gratification of idle curiosity ; neither has Mrs. 
Dexter said or written any thing, which others have 
not expressed as well before her. The subjects on 
which she writes are Christ and him crucified, with 
humiliating views of human depravity ,and exalted con- 
ceptions of the Saviour's worth. She wrote on themes 
familiar to every christian ; her confessions of sin are 
the confessions of every man, who knows the plague 
of his own heart ; and she dwells upon the love of Je- 
sus, and the efficacy of his atonement, as every believ- 
er will, when grace reigns in his heart ; and whenev- 
he seeks a basis for the hope of his soul. 



PREFACE. & 

Some perhaps may question the expediency of muh 
tiplying publications of this kind, lest they should ei- 
ther usurp the patronage which is claimed by works 
of superior merit ; or by their own want of merit injure 
the cause they were intended to promote. Still it 
may be observed that local publications exert a local 
influence* which other books will not, because they 
will not so generally be read within that sphere ; and 
if this influence be pure it is not to be despised. It 
should be regarded as a contribution to the sum of 
exertion which must be made, to the "means which 
must be employed, to advance the cause of Christ, 
and renovate the world. Let every region of our 
country be filled with religious publications of correct 
principles, adapted to the taste and capacity of every 
reader, and the church in general will be instructed 
and improved. While some christians of cultivated 
minds may read with profit the discussions of learned 
theologians upon the doctrine of the u Eternal gene- 
ration of the Son," or upon " Divine Efficiency in the 
production of moral evil," others of less attainments 
may peruse with equal advantage the life of Mrs. 
Graham or of Mary Dexter. 

The publishers of this little volume disclaim all mer- 
cenary motives. If any profit shall arise from the 
sale of the work, it will be devoted to the cause of 
missions. Mrs. Dexter was ardently devoted to that 
cause while she lived, and by her letters she sometimes 
pleaded that cause with success. Let her writings by 
being published still plead for the same cause ; and 
contribute, if they can, to the treasury of the Lord. 



6 PREFACE. 

We have no fears that the treasury of foreign missions 
will ever overflow, or that the country will be impov- 
erished by supporting" a few families of missionaries in 
India or Palestine. Besides, we require Harriet 
Newells at home as well as abroad. If some must 
go to heathen lands to advocate the cause of Christ 
among" the Hindoos, others must advocate the cause 
of Missions at home, among" those who live under the 
light of the gospel, and yet are almost as unacquaint* 
ed with their obligations to send the gospel to the 
heathen, as the heathen are with the gospel itself. 
The office of the domestic Advocate is the most un- 
grateful of the two ; for while the adventures and let- 
ters of the heroine who crosses the ocean are publish- 
ed in every magazine in the country with enthusias- 
tic encomiums upon her disinterested zeal, the domes- 
tic advocate of equal zeal and disinterestedness meets 
with more reproaches than praises for her untiring as- 
iduity in persuading the rich to contribute of their 
abundance, and the poor to bestow their mites and 
their prayers. 

The Compiler has admitted into the volume but few 
extracts from Mrs. Dexter's Diary, and those extracts 
which have been inserted are intended rather as a 
specimen of what it is, than as a publication of the 
Diary itself. This course has been pursued, not be- 
cause it was apprehended that Mrs. Dexter's reputa- 
tion as a christian would suffer by any disclosure the 
Diary contains ; but because it was believed that her 
letters were more proper for publication. A Diary 
should possesss uncommon excellence to be worthy of 



PREFACE* 7 

publication. It should be a faithful delineation of all 
the exercises of the heart,or it will not contain what it 
professes to exhibit. If it be a record of pious feelings 
only, and still bear the title of a Diary, it will not be 
true to nature. If it contain only a record of one's 
weaknesses, and idle vagaries of fancy, it will not de- 
serve to be read. If it contain a faithful exhibition of 
all one*s pious exercises and unholy feelings, blended 
and combined as they are in the human heart, tho' it 
be in reality sanctified in part, it will be read by many 
who will not be able to distinguish the precious from 
the vile, and readers will be in danger of applauding 
what they ought to disapprove, and of imitating not 
another's excellences, but his weakness and his faults. 
Besides there is a degree of indelicacy in intruding 
into the private devotions of a christian in his closet ; 
and of exhibiting- to the gaze of the world those med- 
itations he has written for the perusal of none but him- 
self — and would probably wish to keep concealed from 
all except himself and his God. In making extracts 
from the Diary the compiler has endeavored both to 
gratify surviving friends, and at the same time show 
no disrespect to the deceased. 

The Compiler has endeavored to exclude from tkis 
book every thing which would wound the feelings of 
an individual. Whether in this respect he has suc- 
ceeded he is not perhaps a competent judge. Letters 
which contain allusions to religious controversies may 
hurt the feelings of some, when nothing offensive was 
designed; and letters, persuading a friend or brother 
in the tenderest style to become reconciled to God, 



g PREFACE. 

will necessarily convey indirect reproof for neglect- 
ing* the grace of God which bringeth salvation ; and 
that, which in a private letter would be received even 
with gratitude as affectionate advice, will appear when 
published like public reproach. Still it is believed 
the volume contains nothing which ought to give of- 
fence ; and nothing it is hoped which will prejudice 
the immortal interests of any individual. Such as it 
is, it is now sent into the world with few claims to 
public patronage and none to public applause. 

Mrs. Dexter while living desired nothing so ardent- 
ly as to advance the cause of God on earth ; if her let- 
ters by being printed after her decease subserve in 
the smallest degree the interest of one immortal being, 
it will to say the least accord with the benevolent feel- 
ings of her heart. 



MEMOIRS OP MRS. DEXTER. 



To pay a just tribute to the memory of de- 
parted worth, and to circulate more exten- 
sively those letters which gave delight and in- 
struction upon the first perusal ; to furnish an 
acceptable present to those who take pleasure 
in tracing the operations of the human mind 
under the influence of religion, and to pay 
homage to the grace of God in forming a char- 
acter to piety and virtue is the object of the 
following memoirs. 

Mrs. Dexter was not distinguished for emi- 
nence of station, and splendid achievements ; 
nor was her life signalized by any incidents, 
which awaken intense interest or admiration* 
This is the lot of few ; and those, who attain 
to this distinction, are not always the purest 
characters, noi 1J most remarkable either for 
happiness or usefulness. The Diary and Let- 
ters, of which this volume will principally con- 
sist, will exhibit a character at once amiable 
and pious ; exerting an influence, in the 
sphere in which she moved, purely devoted 

t 



10 

to the interest of piety and virtue. Her views 
of the doctrines of Christianity were according 
to the strictest orthodoxy, yet without a sec- 
tarian spirit ; — her compositions breathe the 
spirit of a humble and fervent piety ; and nev- 
er exhibit the humor of a disputant, or advo- 
cate for any controverted tenet in a system of 
theology. She was too amiable in her dis- 
position ever to dispute; but her heart was 
impressed with the truth as it is in Jesus ; and 
she may be said without doubt to have re- 
ceived w4 the love of the truth, that she might 
be saved." Her Diary was written for the 
perusal of none but herself, and possibly her 
children after her decease. * Her letters were 
written only for her familiar friends, to whom 
they were addressed ; certainly not for publi- 
cation. This circumstance adds to their value : 
for had she even feared they would ever have 
been made public, they would not have been 
those easj 7 -, unstudied effusions of pious feeling, 
which please because they are natural, and 
exhibit her sentiments as the}^ were in truth 
without the least concealment or disguise; 

Mrs. Dexter was the orJy daughter of 
Nathaniel Morton Esq. of Freetown, in Mas- 
sachusetts. She was born on the 28th of 
Sept. 1785. She derived her birth from 
those who call upon the name of the Lord, 
and are comprised by the church among her 
most efficient members and friends. Of her 



11 

family connexions, who still survive to lament 
her loss, it is sufficient -to observe they are 
among the most respectable in our land. She 
was dedicated to God by her parents in child'* 
hood and received baptism at that early age. 
She was also brought up in the fear -of God. 
It may be said that she received not only a 
virtuous, but a pious education. 

The days of her early youth were spent 
with her affectionate parents in comparative 
seclusion from the world, and not in tfre cir- 
cles of gayety and fashion. Her natural dis- 
position was uncommonly mild and amiable; 
adapted to conciliate the esteem of all her as- 
sociates. From her childhood she was famil- 
iar with the holy scriptures ; and was instruct- 
ed in the doctrines and duties of religion. — 
Christian instruction appears to have im- 
bued her mind at an early age with salutary 
impressions ; and contributed to produce that 
unaffected piety for which she became distin- 
guished in subsequent life. 

Besides attending such schools as are com- 
mon in almost every neighborhood in New 
England, she enjoyed the advantage of attend- 
ing an Academy taught by the Rev. Calvin 
Chaddock, in Rochester., at a short distance 
from her father's house. Here she attended 
one year. Her parents, impressed with the 
importance of giving her a good education, 
afterward placed her under the care and in- 



12 

struction of Mrs. Rowson, who taught an Ac* 
ademy for young ladies at Medford. Mrs. R's 
School was thought to be the first in the 
State for young ladies at that time. 

After her return from Medford, and before 
she was sixteen years of age, she undertook 
the instruction of the female department ii> 
the Academy of Rev. Mr. Chaddock in her 
own vicinity, and continued in that employ- 
ment several years. This shews that her 
talents and acquirements were held in high 
estimation by those who were most intimate 
with her in youth. Miss Morton was elevat- 
ed to the chair of instruction among the young 
ladies of her own age, and in her ojvn im- 
mediate neighborhood. This was a tribute 
to her superior worth. 

Miss Morton was also engaged as Precep- 
tress in the Academy at South-Bridgwater. — 
Tn the spring of 1808, when she was about 22 
years of age, she went to New Bedford, and 
opened a school for yopng ladies upon her 
own responsibility. She continued her school 
in that place for three seasons with high ap- 
probation. Wherever she was engaged in 
this employment, she gained the esteem and 
confidence of her pupils in no common de^ 
gree. She took peculiar delight in impart- 
ing instruction to the youthful mind, and en- 
deavored to inspire her scholars, with a love 
of useful learning. She Umented ? that \n the 



13 

course of instruction usually pursued in the 
education of young ladies, so much attention 
should be bestowed upon merely polite and 
ornamental accomplishments ; and she er^ 
deavored especially to store their minds with 
useful *k now ledge and give them a taste for 
solid learning. She was so much attached to 
the employment of an Instructress, that she 
even continued it at Plympton, after her con- 
nexion with the Rev. Mr- Dexter, when her 
domestic cares, and her devotedness to 44 labors 
of love' 1 becoming one in the station of a 
clerg} r man's wife might well have excused her 
from all such engagements. 

While at Bridgwater her attention appears 
hy her letters to have been devoted to read- 
ing in her leisure hours. History and works 
of taste especially appear to have attracted 
her principal attention- Her correspondence 
at this time does not breathe that air of piety, 
which was disclosed at a later period of her 
life. She always manifested a respectful def- 
erence to religion; but nothing is. known 
deeply to have impressed her mind, until some 
time in the year 1806, at Bridgwater, she re- 
ceived a letter from her mother, relating the 
conversion of one of her intimate female 
friends, at New Bedford? This information 
affected her, and she resolved that, if her life 
was spared to the close of her school, she 
would give her attention to the subject of re- 

1* 



14 

Jigion. The following winter, which she 
spent with her parents at Freetown, furnish- 
ed her a favorable opportunity of fulfilling her 
resolution, A Mr. Smith, of Mollis, then a 
candidate preacher, and afterwards a settled 
minister of the gospel, was laboring In that 
parish, and boarded at her Father's. The 
conversation aqd preaching of Mr. S. at once 
enlightened and impressed her mind, and shq 
was induced to give herself wholy unto the 
Lord, g.jad to hppe in his grace* She always 
retained a grateiul recollection of the fidelity 
and kindness of Mr. Smith as her instructor 
in Christ? She appears from this time to 
have ci chosen that good part, which should 
not be taken from her.'- Her letters, subse- 
quent to this date, are almost exclusively up- 
on religious subjects, £ind prove that she had 
sincerely consecrated herself to God, and had 
resolved by diving assistance to maintain the 
character of a consistent christian. 

The following extract from one: of her let- 
ters to & young lady, with whopn she was in 
habits of intimacy, will show what occupied 
her mifid at this tipie* 

c The present season the time I have spent 
in reading has been bestowed on books of a 
serious nature. In them I think I have found 
more real satisfaction than I ever enjoyed in 
any amusements whatever. The transient 
Mature of worldly delights, and the want of 



real happiness, which every one, even in the 
tightest career of dissipation, must ackowl- 
edge, speaks in the loudest language, that we 
ought to seek more permanent enjoyments* 
6 f Lean not on earth, 'twill pierce thee to the 
heart," is a truth which daily experience con- 
firms ; yet we will bar our hearts against con- 
viction, and divine power is necessary to 
make us fully sensible of the important truth.— 
It is thought by many, and I must acknowl- 
edge that I have been one of the number, that 
the serious realities of death and eternity, 
and the business of religion are fit only for 
the aged, and infirni. But, Alas, fatal delu- 
sion ! Have we not reason to fear that many 
blooming youths have been swept off the 
stage of life, the dupes of this dangerous error, 
and found themselves fatally deceived.' 

Miss Morton made profession of religion at 
New Bedford, during her residence there, and 
when the Rev. Curtis Coe was supplying the 
pulpit in that place. She was at times the 
subject of doubts respecting the genuineness 
of her religion, because her conviction was 
not so powerful, nor the first evidence of her 
spiritual change so clear as she supposed 
others possessed. Her views of divine truth 
however were clear, and her affections she 
could not doubt were " placed on things 
above." The relation she gave of the exer- 
cises of her mind upon her uniting with the 



16 

church was distinguished for diffidence and 
humility, and was very concise. The most 
striking passages it contains are the following. 
After alluding to the time when her mind was 
first impressed, she observed, 

" I humbly trust I was brought to see my- 
self a vile sinner, whoiy estranged from God, 
and opposed to his character. 1 saw that the 
justice of God would &hine bright in my eter- 
nal condemnation; and that I could make no 
claim to any thing better; and that, if ever I 
was saved, it must be by free and sovereign 
grace. I have sometimes felt strength to 
hope and believe, that God has convinced me 
of his absolute right to dispose of me as he 
gees fit, and has reconciled me to himself 
thro' Jesus Christ."—' 4 1 desire to look to him 
alone for strength to perform every duty, and 
particularly that 1 may be assisted by the Ho- 
ly Spirit in solemnly dedicating myself to 
God before the world." 

From the following letter, in which she ap- 
pears to have disclosed her most secret feel- 
ings without reserve to an intimate female 
friend, we perceive what were her exercises 
and mental conflicts upon making public pro- 
fession. 

TO MRS. E. F. 

How shall I, my dear friend, express my 
gratitude to you for your goodness, of which 



if 

1 am so unworthy ? I accept as a very g?eat 
favour your last letter, and also the one which 
accompanied it, containing an answer to the 
question I proposed in my first letter. The 
question is answered agreably to my mind, 
and gives me great satisfaction, 

' I think it is my desire to be made acquaint- 
ed with the whole will of God, and I hope 1 
have some right desires to do it, when ac- 
quainted with it; but I have many doubts as 
to the reality of my submission and reconcili- 
ation so God. I find in myself still such an 
evil heart of unbelief that I am at times ready 
to give up all hope, that I have knoirn any 
thing of true religion. I humbly desire your 
prayers for me, that if 1 never have submitted 
to God ? and received Christ as my Prophet, 
Priest, and King, I may not be left to grieve 
away the Holy Spirit, nor be given over to 
hardness of heart ? and a reprobate mind. But 
if I have through infinite mercy received a 
spa^k of divine grace, O may my faith be 
strengthened, and may I be built up in the 
faith of the gospel. It appears to me astonish- 
ing that any can disbelieve the depravity of 
human nature, — I mean those who profess to 
know what religion is j — for those who are in 
a state of nature we cannot suppose to be sens* 
ible of this truth. If they were, their securi- 
ty would be disturbed, and they would be ne- 
cessitated to seek for security out of them- 



18 

selves.— But I have seen some professors of 
religion who deny the depravity of man and 
contend that he is born with a principle, 
which, if cultivated, will lead him to heaven. 
Their views on this subject however are very 
different from mine. I see enough of the 
conduct of mankind every day to convince 
me of this truth ; but more especially do I 
feel it in myself. At some times it rises to 
such a height, that I am ready to cry out, 
fy who shall deliver me" ? and even at best, 
when I would do good, evil is present with 
me. What but a nature entirely depraved 
could be opposed to the character of the bles- 
sed God, and when we are in some measure 
made sensible of his glorious perfections, 
should retard our progress in the spiritual 
life, and make us so cold and dead in his ser- 
vice. But the believer has a sure hope 
that he shall be delivered from all these cor- 
ruptions, and be able through Christ to gain 
the victory " over death, hell and sin." Great 
are the privileges of those who are redeemed 
from destruction not with corruptible things, 
as silver and gold but with the precious blood 
©f the Son of God. Surely we are not our 
own, for we are bought with a price. And 
what an amazing price ! Angels adore and 
wonder at such a display of wisdom, justice 
and mercy. But, man, stupid sinful man, 
eyen th$ vile being for whom the price was 



13 

paid, can view it with indifference and even 1 
contempt. Be astonished, O Earth, at such 
ingratitude ! 

1 am a poor weak and sinful creature, but I 
hope God will pardon my iniquities, give me 
a new heart, and use me as a humble instru- 
ment to do his will, and promote his glory. 
Pray for me, that I may be enabled to devote 
myself wholly to his service, and do all things 
from a regard to his glory. God giving me 
leave, and giving me strength, I hope soon to 
own God before men, and publicly profess 
myself a follower of Jesus. It is a solemn 
transaction. O pray that I may not be suffer- 
ed to do it in my own strengh. That the 
Comforter may dwell in your heart richly is 
the sincere wish of your unworthy friend.' 

The following extract from a letter to the 
same person, relates to the same subject. 

New Bedford, May 1, 1809. 

Friend A. and myself have felt it a duty 
and very great privilege to enjoj^ the ordin- 
ances of Christ, and have been examined and 
this day propounded for admission into this 
church. I fear I do not sufficiently realize 
the solemnity of these things. But I pray 
God to strengthen us, and to enable us to enter 
into solemn covenant with him, with a deep 



20 

sense of our vileness and unworihiness* May 
We receive strength from the great and good 
Shepherd, who has promised to carry the 
lambs in his bosom. Will you pray that we 
may be enabled to look to Christ alone for 
strength and support, and have grace to re** 
gard the glory of God as the greatest and besl 
object of pursuits May he never leave us to 
dishonour his great and holy name. I some- 
times think I have a desire to devote myself 
to the service of God; but my heart is so de- 
ceitful and wicked, that I have reason to fear 
It deceives me. 

c I think you enjoy a grfeat blessing in Mr. 
T. and I trust God will enable you to make a 
wise improvement of that, and of all his 
other blessings; Mr. T 7 s sermons on Baptism I 
found at home on my return last winter, and I 
think I have reason to bless God for it. They 
throw great light on many things, thatt I 
could never before understand, and in my ap- 
prehension explain the scriptures according 
to their true meaning. We live in a highly 
favored day* Gospel light shines with great 
splendor around us, and we have many means 
of becoming acquainted with our Masters 
will, and of glorifying his name. If we know 
these things, happy are we if we do them. I 
hope you will continue to write to your un- 
worthy friend, whose desires are for your 
great enlargement, and usefulness in your 
Master's service. M. M. 



Ill January 1809, Mrs. Dexter, then Miss 
Morton, commenced a Diary and continued 
it with some interruptions for several years* 
In this she has strongly depicted her feel- 
ings, and shown herself extremely humble in 
self-estimation* At the same time that her 
friends were commending her for uncommon 
purity of mind and giving her praise for pie- 
ty, she was mourning her corruptions of heart 
before God, acknowledging herself" the chief 
of sinners." 

In her Diary she did not coftfine herself to 
friental exercises merely, but has noticed such 
occurrences as interested her t having refer- 
ence however to her spiritual improvement 
£t the same time. All she wrote discovers a 
Inind sincerely engaged in religion. 

September 28, 1810. 
e By the help of God I have continued unt6 
this day commencing my 26th year. Good- 
ness and mercy have followed me all the days 
of my life. Every year, month, day and mo* 
ment have I been living upon the undeserved 
mercy of God. While thousands have been 
called into eternity since my birth, I am spar* 
ed, and arri alive this evening, a witness for 
thee, O God, that thou art good, and doest 
good to the evil and unthankful. I must wit* 
ness for thee, though against myself. The 
Lord will be forever glorious and good, if I 

2 



22 

lie down in everlasting sorrow and despair. O 
that I may be exceedingly humbled in taking 
a retrospect of my past mispent life. Of the 
small part of my life which can now be called 
to remembrance what millions and millions 
of sins appear to my view. Wilt thou, O 
God, show me the infinite evil of sin, and give 
me true contrition of spirit and brokenness of 
heart. And, since there is no other propitia- 
tion for sin, except the blood of Christ, let 
me never seek any other way of cleansing. 
May that be applied to my poor polluted soul r 
that my sins may be forgiven, my conscience 
purged from the guilt of sin, and my soul re- 
newed and sanctified, made like unto Jesus 
the Author and Finisher of salvation. 

I have professed to be a disciple of Christ* 
O may I not be a Judas ; but may 1 be in sin* 
cerity and truth a follower of the Lamb. Too 
long have I lived in sin and folly, too long 
despised the Savior, and joined the great Ad- 
versary of God arid man. May I no longer 
serve him, but may the all conquering grace 
of God pluck me as a brand from the burning, 
and make of a bitter enemy a faithful friend. 
Let me mourn that I have lived no more to 
God, since taking the vows of the Lord upon 
me. Where shall I hide my guilty head t 
How shall I appear to answer before my 
Judge ? There is no other way but to return 
to him from whom I have revolted, and come 



23 

to the fountain of Christ's blood. May the 
Spirit of God apply it to my soul, and make 
me to deny myself, submit to God, and devote 
myself unreservedly to his blessed service. 

this once, if never before, may my soul be 
stript of every u refuge of lies^" ail self de- 
pendence, be brought to trust wholy, hum- 
bly, and sincerely on the Lord Jesus Ghrist, 
and make a full and unreserved surrender of 
my all into the hands of God. In future may 

1 live to his glory, and not to myself. 

'This evening I have enjoyed the undeserv- 
ed favor of hearing that excellent servant of 
God, Mr. S. preach from Ex. 33,, 7. May the 
word be set home with power upon my heart 9 
and on the hearts of God's dear children. May 
ihe blessing of God make it to all of us as good 
seed sown on good ground, bringing forth 
fruit to the praise of God.-— Let us gratefully 
remember the divine goodness in sending him 
here and putting that word in his mouth to 
speak unto us, and may he be rewarded an 
hundred fold into his own bosom. 

' He who knows all things knows whether I 
shall close my 26th year, this day begun in 
this world. O may I be made to meditate 
much on the solemn realities of eternity, 
and may I be prepared by riches of free, 
sovereign, electing grace to follow my dear 
deceased sister into the eternal world. May 
the language of my soul be, God be merciful 



24 

to me a sinner,- — make me a humble instru* 
ment of his glory, that my life may be useful, 
and my death a sleep in Jesus, through whose 
name I beg these infinite favors.' 

The person jto whom she alludes in these 
meditations, and calls her "dear departed 
sister," was Mrs. Clarissa Dexter, the first 
wife of him with whom she was some years 
afterward connected in marriage herself. — 
They had been members of the same church, 
^nd lived in habits of intimacy with each 
other, while they both resided at New- 
Bedford. 

Her Diary, Oct. 21, contains the following 
reflections. 
c In conversation with a christian friend I 
received an account of the state pf Mrs. C. 
Dexter^s mind dpring her last illpess. Though 
in extreme bodily distress her mind was at 
peace, and she was filled with resignation. 
Christ was her hope, her joy, her all. This 
and much more might be s^id in proof of her 
heavenly temper^ — her preparedness for glo- 
ry. Let me bless God in her behalf, and may 
his holy Spirit enable me to profit by her 
dying advice, " to make Christ my friend 
while in health," Important, all important 
advice! O let me search and see that my hopes 
are well founded, that I may not be deceived 
Jby my treacherous heart. As I must pass 



25 

thro' the same dark valley, may I be prepar- 
ed while in health, and may all the remains 
of my life be devoted to the service of 
Christ.' 

After recording some observations made by 
Mrs. C. Dexter in her last sickness, she pro- 
ceeds. 

'What resignation, what consoling hopes 
does Jesus give his friends, when their flesh 
and heart fail ! Let my portion be with his 
people here, that I may enjoy their society 
in heaven. And though they may be afflict- 
ed and despised, yet may divine grace enable 
me to choose with Moses " rather to suffer 
affliction with the people of God, than to en- 
joy the pleasures of.sin for a season.' 

Knowing the subsequent events of her life, 
and her marriage connexion, we perceive that 
these her pious wishes were gratified, and 
her prayers answered, though in a manner 
which she then least expected. I cannot for- 
bear also to notice in this place an observation 
of Mrs. Dexter to a visiting friend in her own 
last sickness. In the above extract from her 
Diary is expressed a desire to enjoy the socie- 
ty of the people of God in heaven. In her 
}ast sickness, she observed to a christian 
friend, u we all think much of enjoying the 
society of our friends in the world of spirits. 
Why is it that we do not think more of en- 
joying the societv of Christ in heaven? Paul 

2^ 



$6 

fished to depart and to be with Christ" He 
was not indeed insensible to the joyful hope 
of meeting his converts before the throne, 
but the hope of enjoying the presence of his 
Redeemer in glory was that which gave him 
peculiarjoy. 

October 23, She thus expresses herself in 
her Diary. 

c O thou who art infinite in cojnpassion,sho\v 
me still more and more the importance ojf. 
securing an interest in the Savior's lovet 
Thop knowest my doubts and fears. Thou^ 
who searchest the hearts and triest the reins 
of the children of men, knowestmy real stated 
Will thou graciously grant the influence of 
thy holy spirit to lead my mind into all truth* % 
O make me a sincere and firm believer in the 
Lord Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, 
and the life. O forbid fhat I should live and 
die a hypocritical professor of thy holy re* 
ligion ; but may it be stamped on my heart, 
and transform it into thy holy image. 

6 Lord, let me not in a spiritual sense, " turn, 
back to take any thing out of the house." 
Let me not presume to look back ; but may I 
be made to feel deeply the importance of es- 
caping from the place devoted to destruction 
without a moments delay, lest I be forever too 
late. O that I might enter on the christian 
race by the door, be stripped entirely of all 



27 

false dependence, rest safely on the grace of 
God in Christ, for present support and future 
triumph, put on the gospel armour, and run 
with patience the race set before me, looking 
unto Jesus. 

Awake, our souls, to run the christian race, 
Nor tarry longer in this dangerous place. 

The following devotional reflections show 
great religious sensibility, and fear of self- 
deception in regard to her evidence of ^n in- 
terest in Christ. 

> What a solemn and awfully dangerous state 
is that of one, who has a name to live in the 
church of Christ 5 while destitute of true relig- 
ion. Certainly the state of gospel hypocrites 
? will be the most wretched of any of the in- 
habitants of the dark world of despair. la 
proportion to the means of grace, they have 
^despised and misimproved, will be jtheir con* 
jdemnation. Language cannot express the 
anguish and horror, which must forever prey 
ppon their guilty consciences. I think 1 have 
been this day near the borders of despair, and 
have had a faint view of the anguish of the 
awakeaed hypocrite. I am as it were chain- 
ed down by the sin of unbelief. My trans- 
gressions stare me in the face. I am undone 
completely as to any remedy in myself, and 
must eternally perish, unless sovereign mercy 
jjprevent. By my obstinate wickedness I 



28 

provoked the Most High to ctit me off as a 
wretched cumberer of the ground. Though 
in some measure sensible of my guilt and dan- 
ger, I cannot come to Christ for salvation, un- 
less the Father draw me, and the only reason 
that I cannot, is because of the obstinate 
wickedness of my heart. This is my state, 
exposed to wrath eternal and naturally op- 
posed to the only way of escape. 

O Lord 9 if thou wilt graciously be please^ 
to appear for my deliverance in thine own 
time and way, thy rich grace will deserve all 
the glory; hut if thou leave me to my own 
chosen ways of rebellion, thou wilt be just and 
every mouth must be stopped, or must justify 
thy ways. Even so, Lord God Almighty, just 
and true are thy ways. Yea, thou wouldst 
be just and glorious, shouldst thou leave all 
our sinful race to reap the fruit of their own 
doings. It is grace, rich, free, and boundless, 
that thou shouldst save any. 

' Q God, be pleased graciously to keep me 
from a presumptuous hope, and a slavish fear ; 
but let me plead, that thy spirit may work in 
my heart that good hope thro' grace, which 
shall lead me to all holy obedience, and a sim 
cere desire for thy glory. O Lord, I stand 
in perishing need of that, which the whole 
race of men would vainly attempt to give a 
neither can angels grant it. Thou, and thou 
only canst bestow it on me. Let thy wonder- 



29 

ful grace triumph over my awfully aggravat- 
ed sins, and make me a vessel of mercy, pre- 
pared for some humble use in thy church.' 

The above extract from her Diary, discov- 
ers great lowliness of mind ; great fear of self- 
deception ; and great sensibility to the evil of 
sin. That these expressions were not the mere 
effusions of her feelings in a moment of dark- 
ness and gloom ; but were the result of her 
deliberate convictions, the following extract 
will clearly evince. 

4 What does sin merit but eternal punishment 
from the just and holy Governor of the Uni* 
verse? It must be so, for God would cease to 
be a holy Being, if he did not always mani- 
fest his displeasure against sin. That, which 
has a direct and powerful tendency to destroy 
all good, and all happiness, must necessarily 
be extremely offensive and hateful to infinite 
benevolence. Were sin unrestrained by, in- 
finite power, it would certainly introduce 
complete misery, confusion, and ;anarchy into 
the whole system of the intelligent creation. 

c Where there is in any object complete sii> 
fulness without any holiness, it must in itself 
be extremely hateful in the view of a holy 
God. But what is in the heart of every na- 
tural man? Sin without any mixture of holi- 
ness. Certainly then it cannot be that God 
can be pleased with such hearts, or with any 
thing which proceeds from them; and the 



30 

mercies, he bestows on beings whose hearts 
are thus depraved, flow not from any com- 
placency in them. Since the heart is wholy 
sinful, there can no good thing proceed from 
it ; and if it ever be made clean, it must be by 
a power not its own. If. any mercy be shown, 
that mercy must be unmeritted ; for the de- 
sert of sin is eternal damnation. 

As it is in the nature of sin to be opposed 
to all good, so the benefits of the atonement 
for sin, though of infinite value, will be op- 
posed by the sinner, unless he be made will- 
ing to accept them by a power superior to his 
own. This is proved by these texts " Ye will 
not come to me that ye might have life." 
" My people shall be willing in the day of 
my power." 

4 Such pictures of the human heart may ap-? 
pear to the proud boasters of the dignity of 
human nature entirely false, or at least un- 
reasonably exaggerated; but I believe the 
scriptures of truth will fully authorize such 
representations ; and, though they are ex- 
tremely humiliating, yet we ought to know 
our true characters, lest we be lifted up in 
our own conceits. If God says, u the heart 
is deceitful above all things and desperately 
wicked ; who can know it ? I the Lord search 
iheJieart4_I tryJJae reins" — intimating that 
none but himself can know it, it certainly 
becomes us to believe and confess it with 



31 

shame and confusion of face. If the Bible 
speak in such expressive language and in 
numerous passages of the wickedness of the 
natural heart, surely it becomes us to accept 
the character, given us by inspiration; to 
humble ourselves before God; beseech his 
mercy to apply the blood of cleansing to our 
polluted hearts, that we may not utterly per- 
ish in our iniquities^ 

On perusing her Diary and Letters, her ex- 
pressions frequently remind us of the confes- 
sions of the Apostle respecting himself, that 
he was " less than the least of all saints," and, 
" the chief of sinners*" She thus comments 
upon the words of Job, "wherefore- 1 abhor 
myself;" How suitable these words for such 
as have drunken in iniquity like water ; have 
as it were mocked in the face of Omnipo- 
tence; despised all his commands; set at 
nought all his counsels ; and rejected all his 
gracious offers of mercy. It is utterly im- 
possible for language to express the exceed- 
ing evil of sin^ because it is infinite ; and no 
creature can exercise repentance according to 
the greatness of his guilt. O that my obstin- 
ately wicked heart were broken for sin. A 
broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt 
not despise. Let me therefore plead, that 
he, who is exalted to be a Prince and a Sav- 
ior to give repentance and remission of sins, 
may commission the blessed Comforter "to 



32 

reprove me of sin." If not deceived I long 
to have a broken and contrite heart, and to 
walk softly before God. And surely no one 
can have more reason to be humble and brok- 
enhearted than I have. Help me, O Lord, 
to receive that "faithful saying," which the 
Apostle says " is worthy of all acceptation, 
that Christ Jesils came into the world to save 
sinners;" of whom, he adds, "lam chief." 
Surely " the chiefof sinners" is my character : 
and, as greatest in sin, so gracious Lord make 
me lowest in humility, and most fervent in 
repentance. O save me from sin. Purge me 
with hyssop ; cleanse me with the blood of 
sprinkling. Draw me by the powerful cords of 
love to the foot of the cross. There let me 
rest ; and no where else let me have a mo- 
ments peace, except in entire, unreserved^ 
submission, and dependence on the perfect 
atonement made by a crucified Savioi . Con* 
scious that I have crucified Mm afresh, and 
put him to open shame, O let me return 
with weeping eyes and broken heart to him, 
for he alone is able and willing to save unto 
the uttermost all, who come unto God by him* 
May a sense of the excellency, greatness, and 
holiness of God, his love to sinners, and a 
sense of my own hateful character, make me 
truly humble and fearfully watchful against 
sin. 5 

The following is in a style of animated ancl 
ptfre devotion. 



33 

6 Help me, Lord, by thine all subduing, all 
purifying grace to feel and say sincerely, and 
enable me to appeal to thee, who knowest all 
things for the sincerity of my heart, that thy 
glory is my only joy. O purify frorii selfish- 
ness, covetousness, and every unhallowed 
pollution this deceitful heart of mine; and 
ma3 r thy Holy Spirit work in me those fruits 
of righteousness, which shall be pleasing in 
thy pure eyes. May the clean white robe 
of Christs righteousness be cast about me, 
that I may be fitted to appear in thy presence- 
with joy and rejoicing. O God, there is no 
other way, in which a poor sinner can see 
thy face and live. This is the wedding gar- 
ment in which my soul desires to appear. 

The following extract we presume accords 
with the feelings of many professors, who are 
conscious of deficiency in discharging their 
duty toward their friends and fellowmen. 

4 What reason have we to lament, that we 
are no riiore engaged for the salvation of our 
fellow creatures. How can it be that chris* 
tians, who have themselves been made par- 
takers of the blessings of the gospel, can be 
indifferent about the souls of others. Sure it 
u a very unfavorable mark. — "If any man 
have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of 
his ;" and we well know that our Lord en- 
gaged in the salvation of souls. He endured 
the cross, despisirig the shame, and so ought 



34 

we ; — but alas, I have reason to be utterly 
confounded on account of my awful indiffer- 
ence about the eternal welfare of my fellow- 
sinners; I am afraid to speak to them on 
their dangerous situation, to warn them of 
their approaching destruction, lest I should be 
deemed uncivil, and injure my reputation 
among my fellow worms. Let me seriously 
reflect on this interrogation, u Why call ye 
me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which 
I say ? O compassionate Intercessor, send thy 
Holy Spirit to raise my views above this lit- 
tle moment of life to that eternity which is 
before me. Make me faithful, desiring to ap- 
prove myself unto God, and not regarding the 
opinion of this world; graciously humble me, 
and prepare me to do some little good in thy 
cause. But O, what an infinite condescen- 
sion, if the infinitely holy God should em- 
ploy such a vile wretch as a means of doing 
good. But the High and Lofty One does con- 
descend to use clay as a means of accomplish- 
ing his ends* — Still let it never be forgotten, 
that it is he who does the work ; otherwise 
the instrument would be no more than a use- 
less grain of sand on the sea shore* " Of him, 
and through him, and to him are all things ; 
to whom be glory forever." 

July 23, 1812. 
Upon occasion of the State Fast on account 



of the Declaration of War, she thus writes in 
her Diary, 

" Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and 
thou seest not ? Wherefore have we afflicted 
our souls, and thou takest no knowledge? 
Behold in the day of your fast ye find pleas- 
ure, and exact all your labours.' 1 Is it not a 
great thing to fast in such a manner as will 
be pleasing in the sight of a Being of infinite 
purity ? Our hearts are prone to evil ; we put 
light for darkness, and darkness for light, call- 
ing good evil, and evil good. We love in- 
iquity and delight in vain confidence. We 
have been highly blessed of God in temporal 
and spiritual favours. Though our beginning 
was small, yet we have been raised to a rank 
among the nations of the earth. Thou hast 
crowned us, O Lord, with loving-kindness 
and tender mercy. Our fathers trusted in 
thee, and thou didst deliver them from all 
that rose up against them. The wars and 
distress of other nations have been a means 
of encreasing our riches ; and we have been 
blessed with peace and plenty ; while others 
have been scourged with famine and blood- 
shed. In spiritual things our blessings have 
been more than can be reckoned up, or 
counted for multitude. They are more than 
the hairs of our heads. Thou, Lord, hast 
blessed us, because thou delightest to bestow 
thy favours in a sovereign way. The founrl 



36 

ation of our state was laid in supplication and 
prayer, and for many years this land was re- 
markable for piety and good order. And 
since we have apostatized from the purity and 
and zeal of our forefathers, thou hast not ut- 
terly rejected our churches; but hast been 
wonderfully displaying thy rich grace in re- 
markable revivals of religion in many places. 
Very many towns and villages have been vis- 
ited with the powerful influences of the divine 
spirit, to take out of them a people for the 
Lord, and prepare them for his glorious ser- 
vice. Lord, we would bless thy name, that 
thou hast stirred up a spirit of engagedness 
for the conversion of the heathen ; and hast 
in years past blessed such labours with suc- 
cess. And of late a missionary spirit is en- 
creasing, and we hope for a continuance of 
the divine benediction. But it is in vain to 
attempt an enumeration of the blessings. The 
growing numbers would never end. And 
now let us inquire, what returns we have? 
made for these unspeakable benefits? OLord, 
I fear that we have, like Jeshurun, * waxed fat 
and kicked ;" that we have requited thee evil 
for all the good thou hast done unto us ; that 
we have hardened our necks against God, and 
lightly esteemed the Rock of our salvation. 
O Lord, set our sins in order before us, and 
may we see their aggravations, their heinous 
nature, their dreadful malignity. May thirds 



37 

own people be first in confessing their iniqui- 
ties. May they separate themselves from 
strangers, and stand and confess their sins be- 
fore God. May they turn unto thee heartily 5 
justify thee in all thy dealings; and take 
shame and confusion to themselves. O may 
they, with their whole hearts, turn unto thee, 
each knowing the plague of his own heart, la- 
menting his own sins, and sighing and crying 
for all the abominations, which are done in 
the land. Lord, we have reason to weep in 
secret places, that the gold has become dim. 
We have reason to fear that the salt of 
many of our churches has lost its savour. 
The Lord's Day is wickedjy disregarded. 4 
spirit of strife and contention is apparent 
among us, a haughty overbearing spirit is 
too prevalent. O do thou, gracious Lord, 
prepare our hearts and turn us unto thyself. 
Do thou work in us such a reformation, as 
shall be pleasing in thy sight. Do thou stir 
us up to sincere repentance, and help us to 
bring forth the fruit thereof. O Lord, save 
us from that sm, which is a reproach to any 
people, and give us that righteousness, which 
exalteth a nation „ O do thou make us holy, 
hufnble, faithful, and prepare us for the spee- 
dy removal of the judgments, which have 
come upon us. May we yet be spared, and may 
thy church arise and shine forth, the glory 
efthis land-j and her defence against her foes. 



38 

*May her walls be salvation and her gates 
praise. May the Lord be a wall of fire round 
about us, and the glory in the midst. May Je- 
sus reign here the King of this nation, the 
Head of his Church, the Savior of his people* 
Do thou, O God, for Christ's sake hear, an- 
swer, forgive, and defer not. To thee would 
we desire to commit our cause ; we are dis- 
tressed by thy righteous displeasure; we de- 
serve more than is laid upon us, and we desire 
to justify thee, whatever thou shalt lay upon 
us. Yet Lord, for thine own name's sake and 
for thy mercy's sake, we beseech thee, that 
thou wouldst bring us to repentance and pre- 
pare us for the removal of thy chastising 
hand, and a deliverance from thy fiercer re- 
bukes. To whom shall we go but unto thee ; 
for thou art a God of compassion and tender 
mercy. We would leave our country, guilty 
as it is, our perishing souls, our nearest friends ? 
our a//, in thy gracious hands, praying to 
be received through Jesus Christ. In him 
may we ever be found ; and to Father, Son, 
and Holy Ghost shall be ascribed ceaseless 
praises now and ever more.' 

Jujy 27th J812 ? 

" To be carnally minded is death ; for the 

carnal mind is enmity against God ; it is not 

subject to his law; neither indeed can be i 

sp then they that are iu the flesh casmpi 



39 

please God." Thou, O God, seest my carnal 
heart, — " earthly, sensual, devilish." Can it 
be that such a heart has ever been renewed by 
divine grace. Of all beings I have most rea- 
son to abhor myself, Nothing can express 
my exceeding pollution^ Lord, I am vile, 
and am unaffected with a sense of it. Do 
thou in great mercy set my sins in order be- 
fore me, and give me true repentance, godly 
sorrow. Above all things, gracious Lord, pre- 
serve me from insensibility to the evil of sim 
O place it before me in all its horrid colours ; 
let me see it, and learn my own deformity., 
and to abhor myself. O thou blessed Advo- 
cate, who sittest at the right hand of the 
Majesty on high> who art exalted as a Prince 
and Savior, to give repentance and remission 
of sins unto Israel, do thou undertake my 
cause. Thou knowest all things, therefore 
.hou art acquainted with all the heinous ag- 
gravations of my offences; thou knowest the 
deep-rooted alienation of my soul, and the 
secret abominations of my heart, thou know- 
est my proneness to wander, to swell witty 
pride, to neglect thee and every thing right; 
thou knowest even the most secret pollution 
of thought. Wilt thou, in infinite compassion, 
cause me to see and feel, and mourn with holy 
indignation against such iniquity. O make 
me to feel something of that sorrow for sin. 
$rhich weighed thee down with " sweat ? as it 



40 

were great drops of blood, 5 ' when the Lord 
laid on thee the iniquity of us all. O that I 
might be in some good measure sensible of 
thy sufferings for sin. And O forbid that 1 
should now add to my already unmeasurable 
guilt the awful obstinacy of unbelief; let me 
not refuse to come to thee, in whom all ful- 
ness dwells, who hast brought in everlasting 
righteousness, and who hast given every pos- 
sible encouragement to sinners to return and 
live. O display Almighty power and in- 
finitely rich grace in cleansing and sanctify- 
ing my soul, preparing me for thj r kingdom. 
Take possession of my heart, and bring every 
thought into sweet subjection to thy will. O 
let my soul be delivered from the bondage of 
Satan, and brought into the liberty of the 
children of God. Thou art an able and will- 
ing Savior. O make me thine, entirely thine, 
in time and in eternity. Lord be merciful to 
me a sinner. 

August— 1812. 
^ Two men went up into the temple to 
pray, the one a Pharisee, the other a Publi- 
can* The Pharisee stood and prayed thus 
with himself.-— The other would not so much 
as lift up his eyes to heaven but smote on his 
breast, saj^ing God be merciful to me a sin- 
ner." I am led by this representation to sup- 
pose., that there is an unspeakable difference 



41 

between praying with one's self, and praying 
to God. A habit of performing the external 
act of prayer, a lively imagination, a com- 
placency in one^s own supposed goodness, 
and a variety of other causes, may lead a per- 
son with an unchanged, unsanctified heart to 
stand or kneel and pray with himself. But a 
penitent, believing heart only can pray to 
God through the great Mediator in an accep- 
table manner* Is there not reason to fear 
that there is an amazing sum of iniquity com- 
mitted under the name of prayer. O Lord, 
how is thy blessed name profaned by unmean- 
ing hypocritical pretences to call upon it. 
What wonders will the day of judgment un- 
fold to the astonished millions, who will then 
be assembled ! The thoughts of all hearts will 
be reyealed. The abominations of hypocrites 
will be laid open to view. And the sincerity 
of the true believer will be made known, and 
receive the approbation of the Judge* Doubt* 
less great will be the disappointment of self- 
deceived souk, great the confusion of high 
sounding, hollowhearted Pharisees ; and great 
the joy of the humble contrite heart. O 
gracious Lord, let me no longer pray withmy- 
selfchwt do thou teach me by thy Spirit to 
pray in spirit and in truth to Thee who dost 
verily hear prayer. O give me a little of the 
spirit of Christ, that I may be heartily engag- 
ed in thy service, and may worship thee $$> 



42 

ceptably through Him who said "whatsoever 
ye shall ask in my name, believing, ye shall 
receive." Precious promise to the humble, 
believing soul. O seal it to my heart, and 
make me thine, entirely thine. 5 

September 19th, 1812. 
" What could have been done more to my 
vineyard, that I have not done in it? Where- 
fore, when I looked that it should bring forth 
grapes, brought it forth wild grapes R 1 Ap- 
ply this, O my soul, to thyself. What more 
^ould have been done for thee, than has been 
done. O think of the infinitude of blessings? 
which have been continually bestowed upon 
thee ; of health, of peace and plenty, of the 
blessed gospel ; of innumerable spiritual priv- 
ileges, opportunities for advancing in the 
knowledge of God and divine things. With 
some little sense of these unmerited favours 
well may I enquire, what more could have 
been done, that has not been done for me. — 
Wherefore, when the Lord looked for fruit, 
has he found wild fruit? I fear that I have 
only produced " the fruits of the flesh," " the 
wine of Sodom, and the clusters of Gomorrah." 
My goodness has been as the morning cloud 
and early dew which soon passeth away. 
Lord I am vile. I abhor myself. When the 
Lord has looked for supreme love, he has be- 
held attachment to creatures^ to self, to eve- 



43 

iy vanity, rathei than to him. When he has 
looked for steady zeal in his service, he has 
beheld alternate warmth of natural affec- 
tion, and languid supineness. When he has 
looked for humility, he has seen me full of 
pride. When he has sought for holy self-de= 
nial, he has found self-gratification and self- 
seeking. When he has looked for a diligent 
advancement in holiness, he has seen me 
Vickedly backsliding. Lord, I would contin- 
ually abhor myself. I would desire to take a 
low place in the valley of contrition, acknowl- 
edging that my iniquities are infinitely hate- 
ful. O give me faith to apply immediately 
to the blood of Christ, which cleanseth from 
all sin. O cleanse me, sanctify me, purify every 
faculty of my soul ; make me holy like thy- 
self, fitted for thy service in thine earthly 
courts, and for the palace of thy glory above. 
If I am a branch of the True Vine, purge 
me that I may bring forth fruit unto holiness, 
to the glory of God. If I am a hypocrite, O 
undeceive me, suffer me not to live in this 
dangerous state, but flee immediately, while 
there is an accepted time and day of salva- 
tion. I would now, upon a retrospect of my 
past life, set my seal to this truth, that the Lord 
is good to the evil and unthankful. My soul 
is a living witness, and I would record it for 
the glory of God, and the humiliation of my 
proud heart. Let my future state be what it 



44 

rfcay, I am, and shall forever be, under infinite 
obligation to love and serve God; not only 
for his own essential, incommunicable glory, 
but for his goodness to me, the most unworthy 
of his peopled 

October 25th, 1812. 
6 The discourse this morning from these 
words, "Pardon thy servant in this thing," 
has condemned me exceedingly. In very 
many things I have neglected duty, and done 
those things which I ought not, and the lan- 
guage of my conduct has been, " pardon me 
m this thing." O how abominably ungrate** 
ful for those, who have a hope in Christ, to" 
indulge m the least sin, to make excuses for 
the smallest neglect of duty. Does it not 
furnish alarming evidence of a deceived state ¥ 
O Lord, search Jerusalem as with candles. 
Search out every 1 vain pretence, every false 
hope, every secret abomination, whereby we 
defile our own souls, and dishonour thine in- 
finite holiness, O cleanse thou us from se- 
cret faults, sanctify us from hidden abomina- 
tions, make us pure in thy sight, being array- 
ed with the spotless robe of Christ's right- 
eousness, and haying the inward adorning of 
the graces of the Holy Spirit' "Then shall 
we not be ashamed when we' have respect 
unto all thy commandments" 






45 

Miss Morton for several years continued 
her Diary, but with occasional interruptions* 
During ihe years 1809 and 1810 she record- 
ed her exercises and reflexions upon provi* 
dential events with more particularity than 
at any subsequent period* When she resided 
at Freetown, and when she enjoyed most 
leisure for writing, and for reflection, we find 
her Diary most copious and interesting. — 
Some extracts from it, containing her daily 
reflexions, will doubtless gratify her chris- 
tian friends* It will be recollected, that while 
she resided at Freetown^ she was not favored 
with the opportunity of attending the stated 
Worship of God, 

' Lord's Day. Spent this day principally in 
reading the scripture — writing some. — Being 
destitute of a stated meeting, we are deprived 
of the inestimable privilege of hearing the 
word of truth dispensed. May Vre suitably 
improve this and all other dispensations of 
Providence. May we search our hearts, and 
see our sins, which are the cause of the priva- 
tion of our mercies.—- May my understanding 
be enlightened to see the excellences of gos- 
pel truths 5 the harmony and connexion of 
the word of God. May the Holy Spirit 
Vouchsafe to be my instructor, — open and 
seal the promises to my soul, and cleanse my 
heart from all sin. 



4& 

Monday. Met with a trial to-day, whicli 
was entirely unexpected, and it almost over- 
whelmed me. But blessed be God for trials 
as well as for mercies. Trials serve, if sanc- 
tified to my soul, to show me more and more 
the depravity of my heart, to wean me from 
myself and the world, and lead me nearer to 
God. May God grant that all dispensations 
of Providence may have that good e%ct, be- 
ing set home upon my neart by sovereign 
grace. While I can feel a freedom to go to 
God, and pour out my supplications, and de- 
sires with a child-like confidence, I can wel- 
come all afflictions. Let me be more hum- 
ble, more weaned from self* 

Tuesday. Passed the day without any 
uncommon occurrence — felt not so lively in 
religion as I could wish ; but felt something 
affected I trust with the grace of God. 

Thursday. Have felt something of a de- 
sire for God to-day, — -a desire to love him 
lioofe— to enjoy more of his presence. Had 1 
a sweet season of prayer this morning. But 

how faint and feeble are my best desires* 
When I reflect on my stupidity and coldness, 

1 am sometimes astonished that I have the 
feast gleam of hope ; but 3^et in my darkest 
hours I cannot entirely give it up. 

Lord's Day. Spent the day in something 



47 

of a dull frame of mind ; but enjoyed some 
solemn views of the importance of religion. 
Wrote a letter to a friend, who has discover- 
ed some attention to eternal realities in time 
past ; though the impression appears now 
nearly worn off. May God bless means to 
bring her to himself. Last evening finished 
a letter to the dear christian friend who vis- 
ited me some time since. O that I could 
write solely for the glory of God without any 
mixture of selfishness. May the great Head 
of the Church soon favor me with an oppor- 
tunity to wait on him in his house of prayer. 

Monday. H^d a large company of rela- 
tions to visit us t lay from a distance. Not 
one among them, that f know of, who profes- 
ses to have any religion. How different 
would it be to have a number of God's peo- 
ple to visit us, with whom we might take 
sweet counsel together. I am so apt to go 
astray and join in sinful mirth, that such com- 
pany, though I esteem them my friends, 
tends greatly to entangle me in the foolish 
vanities of the world. When will ray way- 
ward heart learn to be ■" fixed, trusting in the 
Lord.' 5 I have every moment need of fresh 
supplies of grace to keep me in the right 
way. 

Tuesday. Our friends left us to-day. When 
we meet again, may it be in the love of Jesus* 



48 

Blessed be God for all mercies, for health, 
strength ? friends, and all the comforts of this 
life ; and above all for the precious gift of his 
Son, by whom all blessings, both temporal 
and spiritual are purchased. May we have 
grace to improve all to his glory. 

Thursday. Had the company of a chris- 
tian friend to-day ; one whom I have not 
seen for some time. Blessed be God, that I 
can see my young friends sometimes engaged 
in his service. May our affections be more 
placed on the great fountain of all goodness. 

Friday. Wrote a letter to-day to a friend, 
with whom I have been corresponding on re- 
ligious subjects. I thought I had some re- 
gard to the glory of God in this correspon- 
dence. But alas, I fear I have more pride 
than any thing else. I have discovered in 
myself so much pride this day, that I am 
ashamed to look at any one. Pride is a spir- 
it abhorred of God, and yet how much of it 
remains in my heart. O that God would hum- 
ble me, and may the Holy Spirit apply the 
blood of Christ to my polluted soul, that 
it may be cleansed from all its hateful mal- 
adies* that it may be fitted to honor and glo« 
rify God. 

Saturday. Passed the day rather gloomily, 
because of my sins. Was sent for to pass the 
night with my sick friends. — Had some pro- 



49 

Stable conversation with a christian friend \ 
but how cold, how dull my ungrateful 
heart. 

Lord's Day. Was very low in the fore 
part of the day; but felt some reviving com- 
fort in the perusal of Doddridge's Rise and 
Prpgress. Read the Bible, and felt some de- 
sires to understand and taste its sacred truths. 
The sin of rooming sloth robs me of many 
precious hours, in which God's faithful chil- 
dren are ascribing praise and thanksgiving to 
him. 1 have often made weak resolutions to 
amend in that ; but I fear I have tried to do 
it in my own strength. May God now assist, 
me and in every deed enable me to break oft' 
that sin, by repentance and reformation, and 
to him shall be all the glory.' 

In the above extract we have a specimen 
of the Diary, as it was written from day to 
day. It was begun soon after she was induc- 
ed to consecrate herself to God in Christ Je- 
sus, and to hope in his grace. It was com- 
menced with the ardor of one recently "born 
of the Spirit ;" it shows that she was habitual- 
ly attentive to her own impressions and 
exercises 5 and watchful over her own 
heart. She was most diligent in writing me- 
moirs of herself, when least occupied by 
worldly cares ; but when she was engaged in a 
school at New Bedford, and during the subse- 



50 

queni years of her life, she only noted in hei 
Diary uncommon Providences, or discontinu- 
ed it altogether. The ardor with which she 
began her Diary appears in some measure to 
have abated ; or perhaps she found it incon- 
sistent with her other engagements, as she 
advanced in life, to pursue her original de- 
sign. 

We here commence her correspondence 
with her intimate friends. Her letters are 
confined almost exclusively to religious sub- 
jects. They are generally addressed to young 
ladies, or to those of her own age, who were 
either professedly pious, or fond of serious 
subjects. The following was addressed to ' 
one who was engaged as well as herself in the 
instruction of youth, 

Freetown, 

To Miss WW. 
There is one concern my dear friend, of « 
primary importance to be attended to imme^ 
diately; lest by neglect we should lose our 
souls forever. I hope we have, at least, some 
faint desires to secure this one thing needful, 
now in the days of youth, while we have lit- 
tle of worldly cares to insnare and vex us. If 
these are our desires, we shall not certainly 
think it amiss to make religion the subject of 
our letters ; and the grace of God may enable 
enligfatea and edify each other, — We 



si 

see often that weak means are used to accom- 
plish important purposes ; that we may real- 
ize that the sufficiency and power is all of 
God, and that he is able to bring light out of 
darkness. 

Excuse my freedom, my dear friend, if I 
express my fears that your mind is not so 
much engaged in this great enquiry as it has 
formerly been. If that be the melancholy 
case, let me ask your conscience, as in the 
sight of God, how you will justify such re- 
missness. While you and I are delaying the 

I work of repentance, what if God should cut 
the thread of life? What plea could we offer 
at his dread tribunal ? Would our hands be 
strong, or our hearts endure ? It we would 
escape the dreadful doom of the ungodly, 
let us immediately humble ourselves before 
God. 

You%ill not, my dear friend, be offended 
at such plainness. Our contract of friend- 

phip requires plainness and sincerity; and in 
a case of such moment would not unfaithful- 
ness bring a high degree of guilt ? In this at 
least, I can siacprely say; I do as*I wish to 
be done by. What a new endearment it 
would give to my present attachment to you, 
if you wotild use greater freedom in reproving 
me, in reminding me of my sins, which may, 
if persisted in, draw down the vengeance of 
Grodo I entreat you, as my most intimate 



52 

friend, to examine what you know of my con- 
duct, and compare it with the rule of duty. 1 
am sensible I must shrink into nothing on 
such a comparison, yet I desire it, as 1 may 
thereby be brought to see and to ab^or many 
sins, which had before concealed themselves 
under the thick veil of self-love. I might 
thereby learn to view myself in a juster 
light, and might fly to Christ with more earn- 
estness to be washed and cleansed, and made 
white in his purifying blood, I might more 
feelingly honor God ? who gives to so vile 
a sinner a hope of pardon and eternal life. 

I enjoyed great comfort and satisfaction in 
your sister's conversation — my soul felt an 
endearing union. — I cannot but hope she has 
u passed from death unto life," and will be 
enabled to persevere and honour God by her 
life and conversation? I think her husband 
is an sincere enquirer, if he has not actually 
found the " pearl of great price." I sincerely 
hope that he and all their children may hM 
brought to the knowledge and acknowledge- 
ment of the " truth as it is in Jesus." I yet 
hope and pray that there may be an out-pour- 
ing of the Spirit in that place, and that multi- 
tudes may be thronging the gates of Zion. 

I hope, if it be possible, you will visit me 
before my school commences. I feel a strong 
desire to see you, and would gladly visit you 
if it were convenient. Remember me to all 



S3 



enquiring friends and let us hear from you 
soon, if we cannot see you. 

Your affectionate but unworthy 

M, M, 



New Bedford, ■ 
To Miss L. W. 



My dear L- complains of my silence, 

and truly she has some reason ; but the care 
of a school of about fifty may be some apol- 
ogy. I have indeed an assistant in my em- 
ployment, but the care falls principally on 
ynyself. But this is not jny rest. If my 
hopes of happiness beyond this world should 
prove delusive in that awful hour, which will 
usher my soul into eternity, I must be wretch- 
ed beyond description ; but I can assure you 
that 1 now enjoy moments of happiness in 
reflecting on the glories of eternal realities, 
which are more than a counterpoise for all 
the trials, through which 1 am called to pass. 
And though my trials are many, yet I think I 
have abundantly more reason to rejoice than 
to despond. Almost every day brings glad 
tidings to my ears of the conversion of souls. 
Zion, in many parts of our land, and in dis- 
tant lands, rejoices, and her converts multiply 
like drops of the morning dew. Then let 
all, who love her gates, rejoice that they are 
building, and that her dust is precious. " Let 



54 

rnount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Jur 
dah be glad, besause of thy judgments. Walk 
about Zion, and go round about her ; tell the 
towers thereof. Mark ye well her bulwarks ; 
consider her palaces ; for this God is our God 
forever and ever ; he will be our guide even 
unto death.' 5 And is the God of Israel in* 
deed our God ? No enquiry can be made to 
perishing sinners which is more solemnly in- 
teresting. My dear ' sister,' I hope he is 
your reconciled Father, through our Lord 
Jesus Christ. If so, nothing in heaven, earth, 
or hell can harm you. But jif God is not our 
friend, if we are not believers in Jesus, the 
whole creation is in arms against such rebels 
and despisers of God, waiting only for per- 
mission from Him against whom we are re 
belling to execute his vengeance. The an- 
tediluvians were not in more danger^ when 
Noah was preparing to enter the Ark, than 
we are now, and we have equal need of flee- 
ing to the Ark of safety. Let us bless God 
for his matchless love in providing such a 
glorious Surety, Advocate, and Friend to 
perishing sinners, which may with the great- 
est propriety be termed an Ark of safety,— 
Let us arise and flee, lest we be overtaken by 
the storms of divine vengeance ; even while 
we linger, perhaps we are on the very thres- 
hold of eternity. 

In our situation, my dear L- what a 



solemn responsibility devolves upon us* The 
care of so many precious youths — of their 
souls in a great measure as well as their intel- 
lectual faculties. From us they may receive 
impressions, which may be connected with 
eternal consequences. If they, as they no 
doubt do, critically observe our conduct, they 
will doubtless observe what appears to us of 
most importance ; whether it be the concerns 
of the body, for this short life, united with a 
predominant inclination to prepare for re- 
spectability and pleasure in this world, or a 
concern for the soul, united with supreme 
regard to the will of God, and a solemn sense 
of eternal realities. And as they observe us 
to be inclined, they will naturally be led. A 
sense of these solemn considerations has born 
with an almost unsupportable weight on my 
fnind. How affecting the thought of meeting 
those children at the bar of God, whom my 
unfaithfulness has been the means of leading 
to a rejection of the salvation of the Gospel ! 
Methought they would rise in the day of 
Judgment, and say "You professed to be a dis- 
ciple of Christ, but your attention to your 
scholars was confined to those things, which 
were calculated merely to make us useful and 
respectable in that vain world, which is now 
consuming by the brightness of Christ's com- 
ing; and you did not suitably warn us of our 
danger; and those very accomplishments, 



56 

which you laboured to give us, by exciting 
the applause of the vain were the means of 
blinding our eyes to important truths, and 
now we must eternally perish through your 
neglect*" Nor do I believe this a mere flight 
of imagination ; for I fully believe that you 
and I shall meet our pupils at the great day 
of decision, when it will appear to the assem- 
bled world, in what manner we have dis- 
charged the important trust committed to us. 

may we then appear in the righteousness 
of Christ ; and have the joy to meet many of 
our charge among the jewels of the Most 
High; in answer to our prayers and admoni- 
tions. Eternal consequences hang on every 
hour of our lives, while we lie groveling in 
inactivity and stupor. May the gentle calls 
of Christ arouse us to diligence and engaged- 
ness in his blessed service. Through divine 
goodness I enjoy quite good health. that 

1 may also have a disposition to improve that 
and all other blessings to the glory of God. I 
wish much to see you a:nd trust I shall when 
consistent with divine Providence. My re-* 
memb ranee to all friends* Your unworthy 
sister, M. M. 

Freetown, - — ** 



To Miss L. W. 

My dear L 's letter deserved an .earlier 

answer, and a few weeks since a very favoura- 



ble conveyance was anticipated; but before 
it arrived the hand of sickness incapacitated 
me from performing the pleasing office. The 
complaint with which 1 was afflicted was a 
nervous fever ; but 1 have abundant cause of 
gratitude, that I was so lightly chastised ; and 
that all the means used for my recovery, even 
my jonrney home several days after the coirt^ 
mencement of my illness, were blessed. In 
reviewing the providence of God in my sick- 
ness and recovery 1 find occasions of pious 
1 gratitude exceedingly multiplied. O that I had 
a heart to return to God according to benefits 
received ; but a sense of the hardness of my 
heart and of my exceeding barrenness affords 
I matter for the deepest humiliation. I am 

i learning, my dear L , by little and little 

to feel the force ©f that text in Jeremiah* 
64 The heart is deceitful above all things and 
desperately wicked ; who can know it ?" I 
think I ani in some measure sensible, that 
none but he, who searcheth the secrets of all 
hearts, can penetrate into the amazing depth 
of iniquity, which my treacherous heart con- 
ceals. How blind we are in a state of nature, 
tinawakened to a sense of ourselves. We im- 
agine ourselves whole ; and though our con- 
sciences accuse us of some sins, yet we have 
no idea that " the whole head is sick, and the 
! whole heart faint." But when the Spirit of 
!God is commissioned to "convince us of sin, 

5 



58 

of righteousness and of judgment," we then 
begin to perceive what kind of creatures we 
are. We feel that the " carnal mind is enmi- 
ty against God." We find that we are in- 
volved in an unfathomable gulph of wretched- 
ness and sin ; and, unless an almighty Savior 
has compassion on us, we must perish eternal- 
ly. My beloved friend, the sands of our glass 
are rapidly, though silently, passing away r 
and hurrying us into eternity. I would hope 
that you consider more the solemn scenes 
which are just before us, than your unworthy 
friend. Surely they are worthy our most 
constant and solicitous attention ; and I pre- 
sume, when we come into eternity and to the 
bar of God, we shall not regret taking too 
much pains to secure an interest in Christ. 
The great day of accounts will declare, that 
they ohly are truly wise, who live in time 
for eternity ; who " give all diligence to make 
their calling and election sure. I often fear 
that, in the day of eternal decision, I and 
many of my dear earthly friends, shall 
be separated from the enjoyment of God and 
from all good to have our part with hypocrites 
and unbelievers. The thought is awful ; but 
the doom would be just. O may we all be 
aw r akened and constrained to u flee to the 
strong hold as prisoners of hope." 

The season past I have heard of the deaths 
of two of my young female acquaintances. 



59 

which exhibited the contrast between the 
lovers of the world and the lovers of Christ. 
One, though exercised with extreme bodily 
pain, was full of consolation. Reflecting on 
the sufferings of Christ, she said, hers were not 
to be named. To me and to all her friends, 
she sent her dying love and request, that we 
would secure an interest in Christ while in 
health, for a dying bed was a most unsuitable 
place to prepare for eternity. With a heart 
humbly submitting to the will of God, and with 
faith in the merits of a crucified Savior, she 
could leave an affectionate husband, her little 
infant, and the world in peace. May our last 
£nd be like hers. The other to whom I al* 
luded was greatly awakened to see her sinful 
life, and the awful vengeance, which awaits 
the ungodly. She confessed the pride of her 
heart, which had fondly doated upon riches. 
Said she, — " My father, your riches cannot 
save me from death, nor purchase me an in- 
terest in Christ, though they have lifted up 
my heart to despise the poor, when perhaps 
they were christians and possessed that which 
I would give worlds to purchase." Such were 
her distressing reflexions on her death bed ; 
and I have never heard that she obtained a 
hope before the awful summons of her disolu- 
tion arrived. O that such solemn warnings 
may be sanctified to all who receive them. 
Yoursj M. Mi 



§0 

The following extract from a letter to Miss 
%j. W. contains some interesting reflexions 
upon the day of judgment. 

Our time on earth is short. What an in* 
centive should this be to us, to " be up andi 
doing while the day lasts ; lest the night come 
in which no man can work." " Time is short" 
and yet on this little moment hang eternal 
consequences. Let us live under an habitual 
sense of the reality of eternal concerns. 
Would it not serve to repress sinful mirth, in- 
ordinate desires, and dangerous passions, if 
w r e should reflect frequently and solemnly on 
the great day of final retribution, when the 
secrets of all hearts shall be made manifest, 
before assembled worlds ! God will bring into 
judgment every evil work, and every idle 
word. O what a multitude, beyond the 
reach of computation or the stretch of ima- 
gination,— of idle thoughts and words shall 
we, my dear 'sister,' have to answer for defore 
the Judge and Maker often thousand worlds ! 
Where shall we be found amidst the conflaga- 
tion of the spheres ? The scene is present to 
my thoughts, when the many millions of 
creatures, who have trod this earth, shall be 
called by the reanimating trumpet of the 
archangel to appear before their God and 
Judge. How glorious the appearance of him, 
who once hung on Calvary's mount, attended 
by ten thousand times ten thousand angels. 



61 

assembled to hear the just and impartial 
sentence of a God ! Where then, oh where, 
will guilty bouIs retire from his wrath ? Where 
then, O my soul, wilt thou appear ? Will the 
great Judge receive thee and cover thee with 
a robe of his own righteousness, and pro- 
nounce on thee that blessed plaudit, " Come 
thou blessed of my Father ?" The glory, the 
justice, the excellency of God will shine with 
inconceivable lustre on this all important day, 
and the ransomed of the Lord will sing hal- 
lelujah forever and ever. "Come then, O 
©ur souls, meditate on that day, when all 
things in nature shall melt and decay.' 5 May 
.©ur thoughts dwell on these solemn realities, 
lor they are assuredly approaching; and an- 
other sun may not set before we are cut off 
hy death. Let us humbly and heartily pray 
lor repentance unto life. Let us come to 
God in our true characters, and beg for par- 
don and acceptance through the blood of the 
Lamb. Then, O animating belief, shall we 
he prepared u to meet Christ iri the air." By 
J&ith in Christ shall we be enabled to join the 
triumphant son£ of Moses and the Lamb. 

M. M. 



New Bedford, 

To the same. 
My dear L— is not forgotten though she 

has been so long wondering at the silence of 
friend, 5* 



62 

Surely goodness and mercy have followed 
jne all my days ; but alas, "what poor returns 
of love, hath my Creator found." 1 have the 
greatest cause of any one to be humble, and 
yet my heart is filled with pride. I have 
every motive, which can be offered to a ra- 
tional being, to be engaged in the blessed 
pause of Go$ ; yet I am cold and stupid, as 
though it were a matter of no consequence. 
I have the greatest reason for watchfulness, 
yet am never rightly engaged in it. My 
dear friend, it is impossible you should form 
an idea of my exceeding vileness ; and that 
such a sinner should be made to see it, and 
to hope in Christ, is surely a most convincing 
proof of the efficacy and power of God's 
grace. If we believe the scriptures of truth, 
we must be sensible that the christian life is 
a state of warfare. " The flesh lusteth against 
the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh." 
At some times I feel a comfortable hope, that 
I am what I have professed to be, a fol- 
lower of the Lamb; and feel such delight in 
the contemplation of divine things as np eaith- 
ly objects ever afforded me. My heart seems 
to be enlarged and animated, and all things 
appear to speak the love of God. At other 
times the corruptions of my heart appear to 
be let loose, and form a cloud, almost an im 
penetrable one which hides these soul-refresh^ 
|ng objects from my view. But "by the 



63 

grace of God, I am what I am." And even in 
my darkest hours he does not suffer me to be 
tried beyond the strength, which he vouch- 
safes to grant. He never leaves me to my- 
self entirely, I trust, but his patience is still 
exercised towards the most unworthy and un* 
grateful of all bis servants. 

But let not our trials discourage us from 
entering into the service. The Apostle calls 
it a " good warfare. 5 ' And truly it is so. I 
would humbly desire to add my feeble testi- 
mony to the cloud of witnesses, with which 
we are compassed about, that God is good, 
i holy, just, and glorious, beyond all possible 
comprehension ; and that his service is de- 
lightful, notwithstanding the host of enemies 
the believer has to encounter. Though he 
may be pressed beyond measure, and suffer 
the loss of all earthly things, yet Christ is his 
i ighteousness, his strength, his joy, his " all 
in all.- 5 The everlasting God is his portion, 
an eternal heaven is his home. 

When such blissful prospects are before us 
we should esteem it an unspeakable happi- 
Bess, even if we realized no present joys, and 
if they were all in reversion. But this is not 
'he case, I humbly conceive; for such re^ 
freshing joys are afforded even in this state of 
trial, as are sufficient to fill the heart at times 
^/ith transport. 

Your unworthy sister, 

Mary Morton? 



64 

New Bedford, — — 
To the same. 
I received your letter, my dear friend, the 
last evening with emotions of pleasure ; but 
the intelligence it contained was surprising 
4ndeed. But why should it be so ? We know 
we are every moment exposed to the shafts 
of death and that no living mortal has an as- 
surance of future life for a day, an hour or 
even a moment. In the death of our young 
friend, we receive a loud call to " be also rea- 
dy." "What day, what hour, but knocks at hu- 
man hearts." God only knows, why our lives 
are spared and our friend called ; doubtless 
he has important ends to answer by this provi- 
dence. O let us pray for grace to improve 
our lives, whether longer or shorter, to the 
glory of that all-perfect Being, who preserves 
us. Unless we Joye as he requires, and com- 
ply with the sweet invitations of the gospel, 
the longer we live, and the more warnings 
we receive, the more aggravated will be our 
condemnation. May the unmerited grace of 
God through Jesus Christ save us from this 
It is this grace alone which saves one of the 
human race from destruction everlasting 

In the case of our friend, who is gone be- 
fore us, we witness the free grace of God, 
who can save even at the eleventh hour. My 
heart was comforted by the intelligence of 
the happy state of her mind, and was, I hum- 






65 

My trust, disposed to give glory to him who 
could show himself just and righteous in the 
salvation of sinners ; and that it was his sover- 
eign will to prepare my friend^ tho' at the last 
part of life, to enjoy and praise his name to 
all eternity. It is better to hear that she 
died in Christ, than that she was living in sin 
and rebellion against God. I trust she is gone 
home to glory, and has met; the faithful pas- 
tor, upon whose ministry she has attended the 
season past, ia realms of everlasting day. 
But let us not make this example of mercy 
displayed on a dying bed, encourage ns to 
put off a preparation for the important events 
of eternity a single moment. We may be 
called without the least warning to meet our 
God and Judge. Rather let such providences 
Stimulate us to an immediate enquiry wheth- 
er we are prepared to make the same impor- 
tant exchange. 

As this is the day appointed for our annual 
Thanksgiving, a retrospective view of the 
year past naturally occurs to the mind. We 
are destitute of a meeting to-day— and of 
course I have much leisure for reflexion. 
May God direct my meditations, and enable 
me to keep this day as a day of thanksgiving 
to the Lord* What abundant reason have I 
to say, " Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all 
that is within me, bless his holy name." Pre- 
suming on the kind indulgence of my friend,, 



66 

I shall, in my letter, endeavour with a spirit 
of heart felt gratitude, to enumerate a few of 
the blessings of God to an unworthy worm 
the past year. May the Holy Spirit help me 
to remember and to acknowledge all my mer- 
cies. On our last annual Thanksgiving, how 
far was I from any sense of my relation to 
God, as an accountable being. I had grieved 
his Spirit, and returned to a state of se- 
curity, gfter being in some measure made 
sensible of my need of an interest in Christ. 
I was full of vanity, stupidity, and hardness 
of heart. But GodVmercy is infinite, there- 
fore did he not cut me off. His sovereign 
grace, I trust, brought me nigh when I was 
afar off* And how has he born, with my stu- 
pidity, unbelief, and neglect of him, since 
that period? How often has his arm been re- 
vealed for my safety and deliverance, from 
the power of temptation, from fatal backslid- 
ings, and from open and gross sins; and, 
though the sins of my heart have been more 
in number than the hairs of my head, yet he 
has graciously upheld me, and has, I trust, in 
mercy " cast them behind his back." How 
many blessed seasons of comforting and in- 
structive conversation with his dear children, 
have I enjoyed. How many of them have 
honoured me, a worthless sinner, with friend- 
ship and tender regard. How many precious 
admonitions and warnings have 1 received 5 



61 

and I humbly trust thou hast, O God, sancti- 
fied them to my soul. My life and health 
have been preserved amidst contigions and 
mortal diseases : while one on my right hand 
and another on my left has fallen, thou hast 
upheld me. In temporal concerns how great- 
ly have I been prospered, and O what poor 
returns! "Dear Lord, I give myself away, 'tis 
all that I can do.*' — O help me, gracious God, 
to say this with my whole heart, and to de- 
vote all my future life, whether it be longer 
or shorter, to the praise of thy blessed name ; 
and prepare me to praise thee through an 
endless eternity. " Bless the Lord, O my soul, 
and forget not all his benefit." 

Remember an unworthy friend, 

Marv Morton. 



New Bedford. 
To Miss L. W; 



We are destitute of a preached word to-day <j 
and of course I have leisure to write. May 
God enable me to spend to day in his fear 
and service — and whatever I do$ may it be 
done with a single eye to his glory. On 
Friday evening last I suppose my young ac- 
quaintance in B. assembled for a ball in the 
usual place. I also was invited to attend a 
ball at F. the same evening. I desire to give 
thanks to God that I had no inclination to at- 



6§ 

iend ; and that 1 felt in some imperfect meas- 
ure, disposed to pity and pray for those, who 
have no idea of happiness in higher pursuits. 
Fully aware that 1 shall draw on myself the 
imputation of bigoted superstition by oppos- 
ing the fashionable amusements of the day, I 
would wish to do it with caution and judg- 
ment, lest 1 should bring a reproach on that 
religion, which I hope 1 love and reverence. 
Neither would I do it without the fullest con- 
viction of their impropriety ; — I mean in 
those who profess a regard for God and his 
commands. For those who profess«to follow 
Christ, to partake of the sinful amusements of 
the world, what is it less than saying by their 
conduct, whatever may be their words, that 
the pleasures of piety are not sufficient to 
satisfy them, but they must indulge them* 
selves in sinful pleasures to make up the de- 
ficiency ? Will not the enemies of the religion 
of Jesus at once make this conclusion ? I know 
an argument often made use of in favor of 
professing christians joining in the amuse- 
ments of the world, is, that "they, of all people 
have greatest reason to be cheerful." I ac- 
knowledge that, and would contend for the 
peculiar causes of rejoicing, which the believ- 
er possesses ; but would ask, are the pleasures 
of piety and the pleasures of sin exactly the 
same ? Can the believer in Jesus take delight 
in the same objects, which are pursued by the 



most hardened infidel ? Does not this redact 
the saint to a level with the sinner? If their 
joys and sorrows arise from the same sources, 
the difference between them surely cannot 
be very great/ But does not the word of 
truth Explicitly point out a wide difference ? 
It points out with great clearness the peculiar 
joys and sorrows of the christian, and declares 
them to be not only different in degree but 
diametrically opposite in kind to those of the* 
sinner. Pious joy is often mentioned in the 
scriptures, and characterized as being a " joy 
in God," " jfcy in the Holy Ghost." ;i Is any 
merry ? let him sing Psalms." u Rejoice in 
the Lord always j and again I say rejoice." 

But I need not dwell on this subject, for I 
believe ftiy dear friend heartily assents to the 
truth I have been endeavoring to establish, 
and to her only my letter is directed* I should 
not, perhaps, have thought of this subject at 
this time, if it were not the case that some 
professors of religion in this place, practice 
attending balls, card-playing, and other fash- 
ionable amusements. It was mentioned to 
me as an argument for attending the ball, that 
such a young lady, a professor, was going. 
How is Christ wounded in the house of his 
professed friends ? — What a stumbling block 
is then laid in the way of enquiring minds ? 
It is to be feared that some immortal souls 
Will stumble over the irregular and unscrig- 

6 



turai walk of professors into eternal condem- 
nation. What an argument should this be to 
those, who have named the name of Christ to 
depart from all iniquity; " to walk circum- 
spectly, not as fools but as wise ;" and to be 
prayerful, and humble, and watchful, " that 
their light may shine before others; that 
they, seeing their good works, may glorify 
their Father who is in heaven." 

Are not my friends in the South of B. af- 
fected seriously by the Providence of God in 
taking one of their number ? " O that they 
would be wise, that they would consider their 
latter end." O that all would " come and 
taste that the Lord is gracious ;" that my 
young friends would flee sinful amusements, 
and would seek the Lord with full purpose of 
heart. Youth is the best time to begin to 
serve the Lord, and he has given precious 
promises to those who remember him in 
youth. In the early part of life the mind is 
less hardened by the bondage of Satan, and 
more susceptible of the warnings and calls of 
the Spirit- Let us not giieve away the Holy 
Spirit, but attend now to its influences, and 
submit ourselves to God, lest he fulfil that 
threatening, " my Spirit shall not always 
strive with man ;" and we be given over " to 
hardness of heart and a reprobate mind." 
The pleasures of piety are incalculable and 
inexpressible, but the carnal heart has no 



71 



more conception of them than a blind maa 
has of colors. May God open our eyes to 
gee and adore. 

Mary Morton. 



Upon perusing the following letter, and 
many others in this collection, we may recol- 
lect that humble general confessions are no 
conclusive proofs of extraordinary depravity ; 
but only of great sensibility to that depravity, 
which is common to all mankind. The opin- 
ion we adopt of another's piety is sometimes 
exactly the reverse of that, which we hear a 
person himself express. Paul was eminent 
for personal piety as well as for spiritual gifts ; 
yet he speaks of himself as less than the least 
of all saints. The young Ruler in the gos- 
pel said he had kept all the commandments of 
the Decalogue from his youth ; yet he gave 
most sorrowful evidence of predominant sel- 
fishness., and love of the world after all ; and 
refused to follow Christ the Savior of the 
world. He loved his treasure more than he 
Joved his God. 

It may be observed also that this letter was 
written at a time of increasing attention to 



religion ; precisely at such a time as would 
lead a sincere christian to reproach himself 
most severely for languor in sacred duties. 



72 

New Bedford, 1809. 

T*> Mrs. N. N. 

The letter of my beloved friend reached 
my hands yesterday morning — and I have 
reason to hope it will be blessed as a means 
of good to my soul. I cannot thank you as 
enough for your kindness in so often remem- 
bering me. I am unworthy of it, utterly un- 
worthy. 

It is not necesary that I should tell you that 
my heart is jnot engaged in religion as it 
ought to be. You will see it from my writ- 
ing; for out of the abundance of the heart 
language flows* To grieve the people of 
God, to grieye the Holy Spirit, to open afresh 
the wounds of our suffering Redeemer, to 
wound him in the house of his professed 
friends, — how sinful— how -ungreatful. — But 
I am that very sinner. Of all persons I have 
the hardest, most stupid, most unbelieving 
heart. How just would it be in God to give 
me up and say of me as of Ephraim of old, "he 
is joined to idols let him alone." My chris- 
tian friends say I must not speak this lan- 
guage. I know I am sinful in feeling thus : but 
when I am so full of darkness, how can I speak 
of light and peace? I believe I am the most- 
hardened creature that ever lived. My soul 
is in bitterness on account of my stupidity 
and iniquity. It paiijed me to find you have 



13 

guch fears respecting our friend Mrs. G — — 5 
but alas, you may justly have such fears of 
me. How melancholy to think that we 
should thus cast a reproach on the cause of 
the blessed God. But do not let it give you 
too much pain ; for God will be glorified in 
all things. His justice will shine conspicu- 
ously in the punishment of the hypocrite. 
It is a blessed thing that hypocrites and un ? 
believers will never grieve the children of 
God after their removal to the blessed man- 
sions. The church shall be complete; none 
that are given to Christ shall ever perish, 
neither shall any man pluck them out of his 
hand. If you can feel a freedom to lay my 
case before the throne of grace ; — but I am 
entirely unworthy. O that I may be prepar- 
ed to glorify God by liying devoted to his 
cause and interest? Now at this interesting 
season when we hope God is about to make 
a display of his power here, how important 
that every one who has professed friendship 
to his name should step blodly forward to the 
help of the Lord against the rnighty. O that 
I may have faith given jrte to rise above this 
weight of sin ^nd unbelief. — Faith in the 
Lord Jesus can remove mountains. Moun- 
tains of darkness which I cannot express seem 
to press me down from duty — from every 
thing I ought to feel and to do. We shall 
have your prayers that the work of the Lord 

6* 



-74 

tray prosper here — that Zion's gates ma y be 
crowded with converts, that the young and 
the middle aged and the aged may be mad^ 
trophies of sovereign grace, electing love* 
Your unworthy sister, 

Mary Morton. 

The following observations upon dress, con- 
tained in a letter to Miss B. M. were not the 
mere sportive effusions of one, who took 
pleasure in reading her ow r n compositions, or 
who fed her vanity with the .thought, that 
others would read them also. It appears with 
her to have been a settled principle in this 
respect not to be conformed to the world.— 
Neatness and economy in this particular ac- 
corded with the purity of her mind, and with 
her sincere desire to relieve the wants of the 
poor, both at home ^nd abroad. 

August 8th ■ » 
To Miss B. M. 
In replying to your query, my dear sister, 
I fear I shall use less circumspection than I 
ought* My mind is so entirely decided on 
this point, that I sometimes feel a wish tp 
have all view the subject in the same light 
that I do. The Apostolic direction is exceed- 
ingly plain and forcible. " Not with broid- 
ered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly <*rray. r/ 



Did we all delight only in the ornaments, 
which the Holy Spirit, by this Apostle has 
recommended, how much more should Ave 
appear like the daughters of Zion and the 
disciples of him, whose kingdom is not of thi$ 
world ; and what an immense saving might 
be made for the benefits of the destitute 
heathen. The price of one lace veil ; $r oth- 
er expensive superfluity, might be sufficient 
under Providence to save the souls of many 
heathen from eternal despair. How shall 
christian females answer it to God in the day 
of "dread decision,^ 3 how can we now answer 
it to our own consciences, if we prefer the 
empty decorations of fashion to the everlast- 
ing interests of immortal souls ? I am not con- 
scious of feeling the least degree of hardness 
against any dear sister, who feels it right to 
spend much in ornamental dress, &c. But I 
sometimes confess to my most intimate friendf 
that it grieves me. May it not with great 
propriety be said, "Why is this waste ?" 
These clayey bodies, now so delicately at- 
tired, will soon need no other prnamenfc than 
a shroud and coffin. " The i^orm shall feed 
sweetly on them and the dust shall cover 
them." They will not indeed be then the 
worse for former splendid coverings ; but the 
souls of those who might have been saved by 
the expense, where will they be? Alas, be- 
yond the reach of salvation, in the world of 
Sternal despair. M. M, 



76 

Whether the following letter was a real 
dream, or written in that form merely for the 
sake of attracting the attention of a young 
person, the admonition it contains is equally 
worthy of ^regard. It is not a visionary no- 
tion that* ajl mankind by nature are dead in 
trespasses and gins; but it requires all the 
Ingenuity of address, and something more 
than$the charms of fiction to make the* point 
of reproach contained in this letter accepta- 
ble. How can one who has a thousand times 
perhaps been called a u sweet little cherub,'* 
receive without offence the intimation, that in 
the eyes of infinite purity she is but a fallen 
spirit? 

New Bedford, — 1810. 
To Miss E. B. 
My dear Emily will be surprised tp receive 
this letter, and her mind will doubtless be 
led to enquire why I should write when I 
may have daily oppartunite§ of personal con- 
versation. Once 1 have called with a design 
of conversing on the subject which now en- 
gages my pen, but your absence prevented \ 
and 1 have since thought a more lasting im- 
pression might be made by this method of 
communicating the important subject which 
has long engaged my mind. My neglect for 
so long a time has occasioned many painful 
reflections; and as I regard the welfare of 
yo$v soul, 1 will no longer remain silento 



■'77 

The importance of the eternal interests of 
the soul can never be duly estimated by such 
blind creatures as we are, till ihe curtain of 
eternity is drawn aside, and we enter the isx- 
visible world. But observation teaches ue 
that there are many among the thoughtless 
children of men, to whom contemplation on 
these solemn events is familiar and pleasing* 
Yes, blessed be the name of the Most High, 
that he does not allow all the fallen race of 
Adam to continue in the broad road, which 
leadeth to death, but prevents them from 
"sealing their own destruction sure," and 
calls them by his efficacious grace to tfee 
knowledge of himself. 

At the present day we hear of a great num- 
ber who are brought out of darkness info 
God's marvellous light, and whose feet &re 
established on the Rock of ages, and their 
mouths filled with a new song even praises 
to God. We not only hear of these things, 
but our eyes have seen in months past, a dis- 
play of the power .of God in the hearts of our 
friends and acquaintances, of our own age 
and standing. And have we not also felt a 
conviction in our own souk, that unless we 
were born again into the kingdom of Jesus 
Christ, our soul, would inevitably sink into 
everlasting destruction. My dear young 
friend has in times past appeared concerned 
for her soul: and he who knows all hearts, 



78 

knows perfectly what your state now is ; 
whether you have believed in Jesus, and are 
in a state of justification, preparing for heav- 
en; or whether you still remain, notwith- 
standing all your past concern, in a state of 
iinbelief and consequent condemnation; for 
" he thatbelieveth not is condemned already," 
and "the wrath of God abideth on him." 

Some time since I had a dream concerning 
?ny dear Emily, which to me appeared re 
markable; and though I do not generally 
give heed to sleeping thoughts, yet this was 
so strongly ^nd cleqxly impressed on my 
mind, and the duty of mentioning it to you ? 
appeared sq plainly that I cannot willingly 
defer it any longer. Though it took place 
some time since, it is still fresh in memory, 
and O that the blessed Spirit, who alone can 
effectually impress the mind may powerfully 
affect your heart and mine with the impor- 
tant instruction it contains. While in sleep 
my mind was thus led,— You were dead and 
the time of your funeral arrived ; and when 
the procession was formed to follow your 
corpse to the grave, it was observed that pro : 
lessors of religion should form the procession^ 
and I then followed others. Contrary to the 
usual custom the coffin was not opened for 
the last view of your remains, until we had 
gone a short distance, when we went into a 
house to take a last leave of our departed 



79 

friend. The corpse appeared ghastly; thfe 
print of death was stamped in frightful characS 
ters ; but as I looked I observed that yoil 
opened one eye. Astonished, I gave notice 
to those who stood around, and left the room ; 
but the noise of the groans occasioned by re- 
turning life were distinctly heard and were 
distressing indeed. In a few moments yoii 
were so far reanimated as to speak. I heard 
those aroiincj you say that I was the mean's of 
saving you from being buried alive, as no one 
saw any appearance of life until 1 mentioned 
it. You immediately requested them to call 
me; and when I approached, you were sit- 
ting still in your coffin. Your countenance 
appeared flushed with all its native bloom. 
The expressions of gratitude in your counte- 
nance and words cannot be described. With 
the utmost affection you threw your arms 
around my neck a&d kissed me, while 1 was 
so overcome that I could say nothing but 
this, u You must give God all the glory, it be- 
longs not to me. 15 The scene is present to 
my imagination, but my dear friend, I have 
hot communicated it to frighten you or fill 
your mind with any needless apprehensions 
concerning the hour of death; but will ask 
leave to add the thoughts, w r hich crowded in- 
to my mind immediately after waking from 
this solemn scene. 

You, as all are by nature, was dead in tres- 



80 

passes and sins, entirely destitute of an£ 
spiritual life ; you had appeared at times, to 
be anxious for the welfare of your soul. Per- 
haps one eye, to preserve the allusion, had 
been opened to view your danger ; but as yet, 
unless 3^011 had received Jesus by faith, you 
had not breathed the air of spiritual life. O 
that God would raise you to life, even life 
everlasting, and fill your heart with his love ; 
then indeed to him would be all the glory 
ascribed by the angels in heaven and the 
saints on earth. It my appear to you a vis- 
ionary thing and the mention of it simplicity, 
yet the events of eternity are solemn reali- 
ties ; and we shall soon know them to be so. 
If I know my heart, its desires are that you 
may taste the joys of early religion, and now 
rn the bloom of life devote yourself unreserv- 
edly to the service of that God whose name 
h Love, 

I would add, my beloved girl, that a sincere 
regard for your souPs best interest has led me 
to write thus. We must meet at the bar of 
God, and give an account how we give and 
receive advice. May God grant that we 
may meet in peace, being clothed in the 
righteousness of Jesus that our souls be not 
found naked. O let us now attend to these 
things, while we have health and time ; a dy- 
ing bed may be too late. u O come to Jesus, 
sinners alj a " Your sincerely affectionate 
friend, Mary Morton. 



31 

The following observations, extracted from 
one of her letters to an intimate friend, dis- 
cover at least a desire to rise superior to sec- 
tarian prejudices, and to cultivate love to all, 
who appear in the judgment of charity to 
bear the image of Christ. 

Freetown, 1810. 

To Miss H. P. 

After you left me on Friday morning, Mr* 
H. told me he thought he " should live to see 
me become a Baptist." The charge was an un- 
expected one, but I trust it has had a good ef- 
fect upon me in two respects. First, it makes 
me better acquainted with my own heart. 
I thought I had nearly conquered the preju- 
dices, which I have too much indulged against 
that persuasion. But I find they were only 
laid asleep, not exterminated. O that such 
discoveries of the wickedness of my heart 
might humble me in the very dust before 
God, and lead me to a fresh application to 
Christ for pardoning, sanctifying, and purify- 
ing grace. Certainly nothing less than the 
blood of the Son of God can be sufficiently 
powerful to cleanse such a sink of iniquity as 
is within my heart. In the second place, the 
observation led me to enquire into my prin- 
ciples to see whether I am a Baptist now, or 
whether I am in the path which leads thith- 

7 



82 

er; and also to make a new research into the 
grounds of difference between our denomina- 
tion and theirs. Unless I am deceived, I do 
not find myself disposed to favor them in dis- 
puted points; for I now think, whatever 1 may 
hereafter be led to believe, that the evidence 
of scripture is on the side, on which 1 have 
professed myself to be. 1 hope we shall be 
kept from all bitterness and evil speaking 
against those who differ. As we view them 
to be in an error, let us in meekness and love 
endeavour to convince them ; and if that be 
impracticable, let us by no means allow any 
hardness toward them; but endeavour to 
keep our eye fixed on that glorious day, 
w r hen the " watchmen shall see eye to eye." 
The will of Christ is that christians should be 
one. Let us therefore carefully avoid every 
thing tending to interrupt the unity of chris- 
tians. Were our hearts now moulded into 
the spirit and temper of the gospel, we should 
I think, find less occasion of division and 
strife. M. M. 

This letter and the two next following ap- 
pear to have been written to one who was 
engaged as well as herself in the instruction 
of youth. Miss Morton adopts the appella- 
tion, 'Sister,' in allusion perhaps to their com- 
mon employment, and to their common in- 
terest in the grace of the gospel. 



83 

Middleborough, — 1311. 

To Miss L. T. 

My dear Sister, 

We have some time since entered into a 
solemn covenant to serve God, to be for him 
and for none else. We professed to receive 
Christ as our king and our Savior; and en- 
gaged that he should have our hearts and all 
our services. Whatever is implied in a pub- 
lic renunciation of the world, and in a profes- 
sion of th<* religion of Jesus, we are under 
solemn obligations to perform. After a strict 
and impartial enquiry into our conduct and 
motives, will our hearts acquit us or con- 
demn? "If our hearts condemn us, God is 
greater than our hearts and knoweth all 
things." If \ r e have forsaken the living God, 
and are worshipping idols, we cannot expect 
to escape the Vengeance of him, who will not 
"give his glory to another, nor his praise to 
graven images." I am sensible that I am 
sunk into a state of awful stupidity, which 
will increase like an overwhelming flood, un- 
less that sovereign mercy, which J so much 
neglect, should speedily interpose. A few 
observations, which passed between us yes- 
terday, ju-t befo p we entered the house of 
God have led me +hink more on this sub- 
ject, and presse r> ^re weight on my 
feelings. Faithful dealing with a backsliding 



84 

dftceitful heart, may be very painful ; but it is 
no less necessary and profitable. If we find 
ourselves depressed, and the power of godli- 
ness declining in our hearts, what must we 
do as a hopeful mean$ of being restored to 
the path of duty, and the enjoyment of the 
divine life? To neglect self-examination 
through a fear of discovering our case to be 
very alarming would only make it worse, and 
we should fall by more rapid declension. 
Would it not be more safe immediately to 
enter into a thorough scrutiny of our hearts, 
to endeavor to find the lengths we have gone 

ti the by-paths of the enemy ; to know the 
orst of our state, and the black ingratitude 
of our conduct ; to pray earnestly that God 
would restore our wandering feet, and lead 
us in the way everlasting. There is no hope 
for us while we continue to wander, and there 
is a hope if we return that the grace of him, 
who pardoned a backsliding David and a de- 
nying Peter, may be extended to us also. In 
the messages sent by the prophets to ancient 
Israel, I think there is some encouragement 
for poor repenting backsliders. In the 1st of 
Isaiah, after an enumeration of abominable 
sins, there is added this blessed encourage- 
ment, "Come and let us reason together, saith 
the Lord ; though your sins be as scarlet, 
they shall be as white as snow ; though they 
be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." 



Can we wish for greater condescension than 
this ? Can we ever sufficiently adore the un- 
fathomable compassion and grace of God ? 
Never in this world. Eternity will be em- 
ployed by the redeemed in admiring and 
praising the great plan of salvation. May 
the glorious Mediator who is exalted a Prince 
and a Savior, to give repentance and remis« 
sion of sins, work in our hearts by his spirit 
to produce unfeigned contrition. May he 
draw us with the cords of love, cleanse our 
souls from every idol, and give us that su- 
preme love to his blessed character and cause, 
which shall be stronger than death, and shall 
influence us to live holy, and strive daily to 
honor him in all things. His compassion is 
infinite, and his word gives us encouragement 
to repent and return. Dear sister, let us be- 
lieve his assertions and immediately return, 
— -if possible with the feelings of the poor 
prodigal- — for we have indeed sinned against 
heaven and in his sight and are no more wor- 
thy to be called children; the meanest place 
among his hired servants would be infinitely 
beyond our deserts. What have we found 
in the service ofkinglmmanuel, which should 
so dishearten us, as we have both frequently 
lamented to be the case? Do we not by our 
sloth awfully dishonor his cause, by giving 
too much reason to beholders to think we 
esteem his service a weariness and bondage, 

7* 



86 

May we be made sufficiently humble to re- 
turn with broken hearts, be restored to his fav- 
or, and yet be made instrumental of some good 
in the blessed cause, which we have hitherto 
too much neglected. I have nearly covered 
my paper without mentioning the interesting 
charge in which you will soon be engaged 
Its importance is incalculable, and my heart's 
desire is that you and I, and all engaged in 
It, may feel its weight and be directed by in- 
finite wisdom, in what manner to discharge 
its duties to the benefit of the rising genera- 
tion. In our anticipated correspondence an 
interchange of ideas on that subject may be 
made useful to us both. Present my affec- 
tionate regards to your parents and sisters, 
and to your worthy friend and employers 
That divine grace may be your safeguard and 
support in your expected journey and im- 
portant undertaking, is the sincere wish of 
your unworthy friend, 

Mary Morton. 



Middleborough, — 181 U 
To Miss L. T. 
Dear L -, 

Does not daily experience teach us that 
^liis world is not a place of rest ? Many cares, 
perplexities, and disappointments must be 



87 

experienced even in the most prosperous cir- 
cumstances. And undoubtedly there is a 
display of divine benevolence, no less appar- 
ent in adverse, than in favorable events. 
Since the heart is naturally inordinately at- 
tached to the world, and since even christians 
are easily enticed from the path of duty by 
its dazzling allurements, we can easily dis- 
cover the necessity of something to show us 
what the world really is. God is supremely 
good in all his ways ; no less so in afflictions 
and crosses, than in the bounties of his provi- 
dence. Indeed I think the tenor of scripture 
leads us to this conclusion, that adversity is 
more favorable to a life of holiness, than its 
opposite ; and we find that some of the most 
eminent ancient saints were "destitute, afflict- 
ed, tormented," And what is the world with 
all its applause and magnificence, when put 
in competition with the favor of him, who 
created, upholds, and governs it? To a soul 
truly sensible of eternal realities, 1 think, it 
appears as u vanity of vanities, and less than 
vanity*" I presume you have passed through 
some peculiarly trjang scenes, since you left 
home, if what I have heard be true, that our 
friend Mr. B. no longer has the government 
of the Academy. I have felt for you, for him, 
and for the interest of the school, and the 
rising generation. But we may safely trust, 
that all these things shall be overruled for 



good, though our beclouded minds and unbe* 
lieving hearts may be ready to exclaim, "all 
these things are against us." Mr. B. has now 
an opportunity of exercising the precious 
grace of forbearance and forgiveness of injur- 
ies. I hope and trust he is enabled closely 
to imitate the example of his blessed master, 
who, when he was reviled, reviled not again ; 
but endured great contradiction of sinners 
against himself; and left for his disciples this 
heavenly precept ; " Love your enemies 5 do 
good to them that hate you, and pray for 
them that despitefully use you and persecute 
you." It may be that these very trying 
events, by calling into exercise the principles 
of the gospel, and discovering the nature of 
that religion, whose doctrines are so violent- 
ly controverted, may be used as a means of 
convincing many an unbeliever. M^y all, 
who are called to the trial, experience special 
support from the blessed Comforter. I hope 
to hear from you soon, and to be informed, 
not only of the events which have transpired, 
but of the exercises and supports of your own 
mind. 

We, who have taken upon ourselves to in* 
struct others, are surely in a station of great 
responsibility. To perform our various du- 
ties we need the constant exercise of grace, 
and the teachings of the divine spirit, with- 
out which we cannot do right. I am iq spme 



89 

measure sensible of my own deficiencies, 
though not suitably humbled for them. I 
know that I am an unfaithful, unholy crea- 
ture; but the blackness and aggravated cir- 
cumstances of my guilt are too much hidden 
from my eyes by the thick veil of §tupidity. 
When reflecting on the present method of 
female education, I connot feel entirely satis- 
fied that we are right. But it is so hard to 
combat fixed prejudices, that I do not gener- 
ally express my ideas, except to those who 
coincide with me in opinion. Could we 
have a just sense of the infinite value of time, 
should we not sedulously avoid, in a system 
of instruction, an attention to accomplish- 
ments merely ornamental ? Is there not rea- 
son to fear some danger from them in a mor- 
al point of view ? Do they not lead to vanity 
and lightness of mind, and do they not in 
some measure disqualify for the sober duties 
of life ? I have thought it would be desirable 
to confine our attention to those pursuits, 
which would qualify for usefulness in the 
christian character, should it ever please God 
in sovereign mercj?- to call our pupils into his 
service. The mental faculties surely deserve 
more attention, than is generally bestowed. 
It is sometimes the case that the graces, which 
are merely personal, are assiduously cultivat- 
ed, while the mind is suffered to remain en- 
tirely uncultivated, or at least superficially 



90 

informed. The female mind is naturally 
vain enough ; and surely the force of educa- 
tion should not be employed to increase the 
evil, but to counteract it. To inspire just 
and rational habits of thinking, to give sobrie- 
ty and energy to the mind, to enlarge and 
regulate the understanding, appears to me a 
more important object, than to encourage a 
fondness for the empty applause of the gay 
by a graceful exterior. My respects to our 
worthy friend Mr. B. 

Your unworthy friend, 

Mary Morton. 

Freetown,— 1812. 
To Miss L. T. 
My dear Sister, 
An attempt to rescue our correspondence 
from the shade of oblivion will, I trust, be 
pardoned by the kind indulgence of friend- 
ship. The improbability of an opportunity 
for personal conversation, unless you should 
visit me, which would indeed be highly grat- 
ifying, induces me to use the pen as a sub- 
stitute. I have heard, and rejoice to hear it, 
that your pastor is unusually quickened in 
the discharge of his ministerial functions, and 
that christians are more engaged in prayer. 
Are not these encouraging symptoms of a 
display of divine grace in the conversion of 



91 

sinners ? I trust they are, and can but hope 
that the precious dew of divine influence, 
which is distilling so copiously, will be extend- 
ed to you also. Those who love Zion, and 
prefer Jerusalem above their chief joy, are 
doubtless earnestly praying for such a bles- 
sed event. Your hearts, I hope and trust, 
are going forth to the good Shepherd, that he 
would come unto you and gather in his chos- 
en sheep, who now may be wandering over 
hills of darkness and unregeneracy ; pleading 
with him, that he would come this way and 
make glorious displays of his power and love. 
But if you feel any thing of the coldness and 
languor, with which I am almost overwhelm- 
ed, you must at some/ times exclaim, "Why, 
O why, am I not more devoted to him who 
bled and died on the cross for the redemption 
of my soul, and for the innumerable multitude 
of his chosen people 9 " Why am I so earthly 
and sensual as to prefer the unsatisfying van- 
ities of earth to the substantial blessings of 
the new and divine life ?" We are under sol- 
emn obligations to live to the glory of God. — - 
Did we enter into engagements, and are we 
now depending on our own strength for the 
performance ? This may be the reason of our 
unprofitableness. Surely if we depend on 
Christ for strength, as well as righteousness, 
we shall not be disappointed of his aid ; he 
will enable us to do those things which he 
will own and bless. 



92 

I have thought much on a subject which I 
shall in perfect confidence communicate to 
you; praying that if it would be, as I serious- 
ly believe it would, a powerful means under 
the divine blessing of quickening the soul in 
the divine life, and giving exercise to the 
graces of the christian character, that it may 
be accomplished in the Lord's own time and 
way. In your society where many live 
so remote from meeting as to make it very in- 
convenient for them to return home during 
the interval of divine worship, there is much 
time unprofitably, not to say foolishly, spent 
among the younger professors. I speak of it 
from experience, and confess with shame my 
own guilt in this respect. The serious im- 
pressions made upon the mind by the labors 
of our spiritual instructor, instead of being 
cherished and matured, are too often obliter- 
ated, and the mind is unfitted for the solemn 
devotions of the afternoon. I think 1 can for 
myself trace the unprofitableness of many 
Sabbaths to this source. We profess to call 
the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, 
honorable ; and to honor him not doing our 
own ways, nor finding our own pleasures, nor 
speaking our own words. If we love the 
Lord Jesus, surely this day, which expressly 
commemorates his resurrection, will be pre- 
cious to us as a memorial of him, whom our 
souls love. Every means then which prom- 



93 

ises by a divine blessing to assist us to sanc- 
tify the Sabbath, and promote the power of 
godliness in our hearts, should be sought out 
and embraced with grateful pleasure. Would 
it not be practicable and desirable, my dear 
sisters, for the younger sisters in your Church 
to meet privately, on Lord's day noons, for 
religious exercises ? Might there be found ac-^ 
commodation in some place not far from the 
house of worship? I think there might; and 
j 1 trust my friends would experience a blessng 
\ in the enjoyment of his presence, who has 
promised it to two or three gathered together 
in his name. Should you be enabled to form 
the resolution and go in the strength of the 
Lord, you would experience divine teaching 
! and enlargment of soul. Free conversation 
on scriptufe, or on the discourse of the morn- 
ing, or on the state of religion in your souls, 
and mutual prayer, would 1 think tend un- 
speakably to produce that unity of spirit and 
cordial christian fellowship, which ought as- 
siduously to be cultivated. It would expose 
us to many things crossing to our natural 
feelings ; but we know the language of scrip- 
ture, which commands us to take our cross 
daily and follow Christ. Your hearts are, I 
! doubt not, oftentimes affected with the view 
iof so many of your young friends, who give 
decisive evidence of being strangers and ene- 
mies to Christ 5 and your secret places of re- 

8 



94 

tirement witness the fervor of your supplica* 
tions to the God of all grace, that he would 
awaken them, and bring them to a knowledge 
of the truth as it is in Jesus. Would it not 
have a blessed effect, at least on your own 
minds, if you who profess to seek a better 
portion than the honors and pleasures of this 
world, should unite in secret supplication for 
them, at the time when we have reason 
to fear they are profaning the Sabbath, dis- 
regarding the holiness of this day of the Lord, 
by vain and unsuitable conversation in their 
social parties ? Who can tell but God would vis- 
it them in mercy, in answer to your prayers 
Should it please him in sovereign mercy t 
do it, what must be the joyful feelings of your 
souls ? But if this be not granted, it would 
afford a comfortable reflexion on the bed of 
death, that you have humbly labored for their 
good, and have earnestly endeavored that 
your example should not hinder them from 
embracing the gospel you profess. Would it 
not be a powerful means of enabling you to 
live in such a manner as to convince them 
that you have been with Jesus, and partake 
of his spirit? 

Sensible in a small measure of my own aw- 
ful deficiency in every gospel duty, and in 
some degree touched with pity for the perish- 
ing condition of our dear young friends in M. 
I feel very desirous that others, who are cat 



i 

ir 



95 

led into the gospel vineyard, may be zealous- 
ly engaged in good works, though I am but a 
barren branch. My mind has been dwelling 
for some time on the proposal I have made, 
and I can but think it would meet with the 
divine blessing. I therefore humbly offer it 
for your consideration with earnest and affec- 
tionate desires for its accomplishment, and for 
the blessing of God upon it. You are, my 
dear sisters, highly exalted with privileges. 
You doubtless bless God for them, and can 
you answer it to him, or to your own con- 
sciences, if you do not make some suitable re- 
turns for benefits received ? I feel that con- 
fidence in you which leads me to open my 
mind without reserve. Freedom and sincer- 
ity are characteristic of real friendship, and I 
trust ours is such, founded not on the ebullition 
of a transient intimacy, but upon that un- 
changeable basis which will endure through a 
wasteless eternity. Wherein I err, you will 
kindly reprove and remonstrate. O may we 
be enabled, by the influence of the divine 
Spirit, to act in character for our profession 
as disciples of him who went about doing 
good, enduring the cross and despising the 
shame. May we willingly follow in the steps 
of self-denial and deadness to the world, "fol- 
low him without the camp, bearing his re- 
proach." May we be sufficiently humbled to 
do some little service and labor of love in the 



96 

cause of him, who has done so much for us. 
Present my respects to your parents, and lov6 
to other friends. 

With sincerity, 

your unworthy sister. 

Mary Morton. 

In the following letter the writer bewails 
in a truly christian spirit the religious dissen- 
sions, which prevailed in the church and 
society in New Bedford, at the time it was 
written. 

New Bedford April 1810. 
To- the Rev.S. H. 
Frienfl beloved in the Lord, 
When Zion is afflicted, her children must 
mourn and be in heaviness. And truly the 
hand of the Lord is now laid upon us for our 
iniquities, and we are chastised for our sins. 
O may the grace of God be sufficient for us, 
that we may " humble ourselves under the 
mighty hand of God, that he may exalt us in 
due time." You have been an eye witness 
of our unhappy situation, and I have no doubt 
of your sympathizing care. I feel as if the 
church was bleeding at every pore. Divis- 
ions in sentiment create hardness and un- 
christian prejudices between brethren and 
sisters, jarring passions are allowed too much 



97 

place in those hearts, where love alone should 
reign. Satan, the grand deceiver and accus- 
er of the brethren, goes about as a roaring 
lion, seeking whom he may devour; and 
doubtless is never better pleased than when 
the professed friends of Jesus 4: fall out by the 
way." In this place those, who have profes- 
sed faith in Christ and the doctrine of his 
cross, are watched, censured, and condemned; 
and for myself, I feel that we deserve all and 
infinitely more than has befallen us, for we do 
not live as becometh the gospel of Christ. 
We must ta^e blame and confusion of face to 
ourselves, but ascribe unto God righteousness 
and truth. If the Lord should utterly for- 
sake us, and cut us off from being a church ; if 
he should remove our candlestick out of its 
place, we must confess thaf it would be but 
our deserts. He would be glorified by all holy 
beings, should he lay judgment to the line 
and righteousness to the plummet. Some- 
times when reflecting upon our sins, our un- 
faithfulness, our want of that fervent charity 
which the Apostle recommends, our awful de- 
clension from the faith, zeal, and purity of 
the primitive churches, I am led to fear, that 
we shall be made monuments of the righteous 
displeasure of a holy God. But then I reflect 
on the conduct of our merciful Father to the 
rebellious house of Israel. Though they pro» 
roked him to anger by their sins, yet for his 

8* 



98 

own name's sake did fee bear long with them, 
and though they be now scattered among 
every nation and kingdom under heaven, 
yet with everlasting mercies will he gather 
them, that his name may be great among the 
heathen, and that all the earth may know 
that Israel is his people, and that his faithful- 
ness shall not fail to his chosen. I trust I am 
enabled, at times, to rest in this promise " Not 
for your sakes do I these things; but for my 
own name's sake," If the Lord be for us, 
who can prevail against us ? If we put our 
trust in the immutable Jehovah, then shall 
one put ten to flight. Nothing is wanting 
but a firm confidence in God to make us com- 
pletely victorious over ail our spiritual foes. 
But where is that to be found ? Not in my 
heart, I am sure. There is ingratitude 
under the most distinguishing blessings ; at 
all times stupidity, and, in seasons of dark- 
ness, sinful distrust. Can such a heart be the 
residence of one spark of divine grace ? God 
knows. If it be not, — Oh may he have mer- 
cy and open my blind eyes : but if there has 
been the good work of the Spirit begun, may 
it be perfected, and may a sacred flame of di- 
vine love consume every impure particle of 
dross. We are certainly in a furnace of af- 
fliction, aad if we possess the same Spirit, 
which actuated the three ancient worthies, 
we shall undoubtedly haye the presence of 



99 

the Son of God, walking with us in the midst 
of the fire, that it shall not consume us. We 
have abundant reason to sing of goodness, for 
the displays of divine grace which our eyes 
have witnessed the winter past. Eternity 
will be employed by the happy seuls, who we 
trust have been brought into the glorious 
liberty of the gospel, in hymning anthems of 
praise to him, who has redeemed them and 
Washed them in his own blood. But these 
contentions, which are in themselves so un- 
jphsirable, are calculated to do us good, if we 
are the children of promise. They certainly 
fulfil the scriptures and help to confirm the 
faith of the heavenly pilgrim. I have a hope 
that our God will appear for us and will grant 
us so great a blessing as a faithful gospel min- 
ister to lead us in the way of salvation and 
hreak unto us the bread of life. If so, his 
name shall have all the glory, for unto him it 
bdongeth. And indeed whatever may be 
our state, God will be glorious in holiness ; his 
name and his nature is love. Whatever we 
can conceive of excellency, and whatever is 
infinitely beyond our narrow views of majes- 
ty and beauty, are treasured up in the eternal 
fountain of being and perfection. Here is an 
inexhaustible source of consolation and de* 
light to those whose hearts have been renew- 
ed by grace. 

1 have not yet received your second letter, 



100 

but am hoping every day it will reach my 
hand. Respecting the subject which I men- 
tioned to you in a former letter, I find the 
trial very different from my fears— I expects 
ed a great cross ; but find not that, and now 
am perplexed with fears that I am actuated 
by pride, or some other wrong motive. But 
1 hope for divine direction and support, and 
wish to say with the Poet, " I beg the trial of 
thine eyes," O my God. You see that I am 
continually bringing self into view. Why 
am I not entirely swallowed up in the divine 
glory, forgetting there is such a creature in 
existence as myself, except when melted with 
contrition for my aggravated offences? In 
heaven there will be no self, no sin, no divis- 
ion ; but God will be all and in all. Who is 
worthy to enter that holy place ? Surely none 
but those who are made so by being washed 
in the blood of the Lamb, to whom all the glory 
of their salvation will be ascribed. If my let- 
ters become troublesome intrusions, deal plain- 
ly with me and tell me. We beg your prayers 
for us. God knows what we stand in need of, 
and I trust will teach you what to pray for on 
our account. May he grant our desires, if 
consistent with his holy purposes, that you 
may yet be returned to pray with us. May 
the grace of God be ever sufficient for you. 
Your unworthy friend, 

Marv Morton. 






101 V 

The following letter was addressed to a 
clergyman with whom she was intimate, and 
on whose ministry she had frequently at- 
tended, 

Freetown, — 1811. 
To the Rev. S. H. 
My esteemed friend, 

Every day's experience teaches me how 
little I know of myself ; and that text, Jer.17, 
9. needs no exposition but what an atten- 
tive examination of our own hearts will abun- 
dantly furnish. Very many times have I ac- 
knowledged that my heart was too deceitful 
to be trusted ; yet I am often surprised at the 
discovery of new treachery; which would 
not be the case, if I were thoroughly and 
practically convinced of its real character. It 
is a great blessing to christians that their 
Physician perfectly knows the nature, ex- 
tent and malignity of their disorder; and, 
though they know it not themselves, yet they 
are safe in relying upon the infinite skill of 
their great Healer. 

A friend told me that I had made great pre- 
tensions to religion, and if I fell back it would 
give so much greater occasion to the adversa- 
ry to speak reproachfully. I acknowledge I 
am so ignorant of myself, that I know not that 
1 have made great pretensions to religion. 
If it be true, surely 1 have been a very great 



102 

hypocrite ; for, if I have any religion, it is 
but very little ; and I am shocked at the dis- 
honor, which my conduct may have occasion- 
ed to the cause of religion. None perhaps do 
greater injury to the cause than high sound- 
ing, hollow professors; and surely none can 
be more hateful in the eyes of a holy and 
jealous God, who searcheth the heart and 
trieth the reins of the children of men. I 
hope the sincere prayer of my soul is, that I 
may not be left thus to serve Satan under a 
mask of religious zeal. If that is my present 
character may the Lord in infinite mercy 
confound the Babel which I have erected, and 
make me a contrite and broken-hearted be- 
liever in the Almighty Savior. The irrecon- 
ciliation of the will appears in an infinite 
variety of ways. I often think it would be 
much best for such a frail, unstable, vile crea- 
ture as I am, to be placed more out of sight in 
the world, in some very contracted sphere 
where my name and example would be known 
only to a few. But if I believe in the univer- 
sal and particular providence of God, which 
ought not to be doubted, I must suppose my 
lot in life to be directed by his unerring 
hand. Many would smile contemptuously to 
hear an obscure school-mistress express ideas 
like these ; but, I trust, as you are acquainted 
with the responsibility and circumspection 
pecessary in such an employment, you will 



103 

easily comprehend my meaning. At some 
times a sense of the exceeding importance of 
my trust almost overwhelms me, and I am al- 
most resolved to relinquish it. But if I can 
be instrumental of more good in that way 
than in any other, I ought to bless God that 
he gives me the opportunity, and heartily 
devote my life^ my health, and all that I can 
command, to the interesting employment. I 
would still request yoiir prayers, that the 
path of duty may be enlightened, and that I 
may ever walk in it with humble, unshaken 
faithfulness. It appears to me that the invi- 
tation to Sandwich is the call of Providence ; 
and if so, all obstacles will be removed out 
of the way in due season. Omitting the con* 
sideration of my insufficiency to fill the sta- 
tion suitably, I think it would be very much 
to my mind. I have for some time thought 
that a situation as an assistant to a religious 
Preceptor would be not only more congenial 
to my feelings, but more suitable for my tal- 
ents, than to have the whole care of a school. 
If I can see any way of leaving Middleboro' 
without violating the precept which teaches 
us to do to others as we wish they should do 
to us, I know of no other obstacle to prevent 
Wy compliance with Mr. B's request. Wher- 
ever I may be placed I hope for a continua- 
tion of your friendship and counsel. It is a 
privilege which I esteem highly to be favor- 



104 

ed with frequent letters from christian friends. 
And if not deceived, I desire them to deal 
with me with the greatest plainness in point- 
ing out my errors, and searching my heart 
to discover its hypocrisy. 

It appears to me important that the truth 
should be preached in B. and I hope it may 
speedily triumph. Its advocates have great 
trials and need large supplies of grace to help 
them, in a right spirit, to bear and forbear* 
Human nature is so inclined to rise in a con- 
troversy about religious tenets, that I think 
there is great danger of using carnal weapons 
of pride, contention and the like, instead of 
those which are mighty through God to the 
pulling down of strong holds. We have in 
such circumstances peculiar need of following 
the example of him who, when he was reviled^ 
reviled not again ; but endured great contra- 
diction of sinners against himself. I hope' 
3^ou will every one be kept by the mighty 
power of God, and be made to shine brightest 
in this furnace of afflction, and that your mod- 
eration maybe known unto all men. Present 
my affectionate congratulations to Mrs. H. 
Yours, with esteem and respect, 

Mary Morton. 



In the following letter the writer appears 
to be the advocate of disinterested benevo- 



105 

Ience, though she objects to the language in 
which it is taught by divines on the ground 
of its being unscriptural. We presume she 
had indeed no objection to the doctrine ; for 
a very pure spirit of benevolenee appears in 
most of her letters ; and we would charitably 
hope that the objections of many others to 
this doctrine are objections only to the let- 
ter and not to the spirit. 

Middleborough, 1811. 

To Miss A. S. 

Dear Sister, 

I hope you are enjoying the blessings of 
christian intercourse,leisure for religious read- 
ing, faithful preaching, and the presence of 
Christ in all religious duties. With that you 
must be happy, and without that the soul 
will pine and languish amidst the most favor- 
able means of improvement. If we are not 
deceived, experience has taught us that noth- 
ing can satisfy the desires of our souls, noth- 
ing can enliven devotion, but the invigorating 
influences of that Spirit which is the light of 
the world. It appears to me an important 
point gained, when the christian can feel a 
full and abiding sense of his absolute depend- 
ence on the Spirit of Truth for every, even 
the smallest, ray of spiritual light. Are we 
not naturally prone to forget our entire dark- 

9 



106 

ness ; and, when we feel the enlivening influ» 
ence from on high, are we not sometimes 
tempted to think it is our own, till its depart- 
ure convinces us of our presumption. The 
Psalmist confesses to God, "All my springs 
are in thee," Happy for us could we feel 
that, and rejoice in it. It is really an un- 
speakable blessing that our supplies of grac 
are not put in our own power. Were that 
the case, how soon should we lavish all our 
stock and ruin our souls. But if I have a cor- 
rect idea on that subject, the christian's 
graces, his life, his all, are treasured and cen- 
tred in Christ Jesus, who will bestow what- 
ever is needful in every circumstance of life, 
in every trial, and in the awful hour of dis- 
solution. So that the christian has nothing of 
his own in himself any more than the vilest 
sinner. And this view of things opens to 
my apprehension the meaning of many pas- 
sages of scripture, which speak of living by 
faith, walking by faith, and being dead and 
the life hid with Christ in God. If this opin- 
ion be according to the truth, and if it be not 
I hope you will kindly rectify my error, the 
believer, if he would live comfortably and walk 
as becometh the gospel, must live entirely by 
faith on the Son of God. Self must then be 
denied and self-righteousness trampled under 
foot. But to those, who sincerely and su- 
premely regard the blessed Mediator, it must 



107 

be attended with an indescribable sweetness 
and peace. My beloved N****, may we, poor, 
polluted, self-destroying sinners, be made 
to understand and know by happy experience, 
what it is to live by faith in Jesus, May wc 
be united to him by a living faith, and by the 
divine influence of his holy Spirit, may we be 
made fruitful in every good work to the praise 
of the glory of his grace. We certainly owe 
our whole selves, our all to him, who hath, as 

I we sometimes presume to believe, redeemed 
us with his own blood. But 1 am so bound 
by a selfish spirit, as it were by a chain of 
brass or fetters of iron, that I have reason 
seriously to question whether I have ever 

' been enabled to rise and act above it. I think 

i it does appear very loathsome and hateful ; 
but I am not sufficiently humbled for it. — 
Nothing can be more inconsistent than a sel- 
fish christian. How unlike to him who made 

j himself of no reputation, tho' he thought it 
not robbery to be equal with God. Our 
hearts naturally are entirely selfish, and con- 
sequently opposed to the gospel temper ; but 
as far as grace prevails and the new man is 

1 put on, it will be subdued ; and that charity 
which seeketh not her own will be the gov^ 
erning principle. Many object to the term 
"disinterested benevolence," But 1 cannot 
perceive that it conveys anything more than 
the meaning of the Apostle, when speaking 



108 

of that charity which is the essence of relig- 
ion. Surely if she "seeketh not her own," it 
must imply a disinterested principle. I free- 
ly acknowledge, however, that I should feel a 
degree of satisfaction, if the defenders of the 
doctrines of grace would confine themselves 
more to the language of scripture; not be^ 
cause I have any objection myself to the 
terms they use, but because it would be more 
likely to stop the mouths of gainsayers. In 
that case they could not, as they now fre- 
quently do, dispute that the ideas advanced 
are contained in the Bible. But the time is 
coming, when every mouth will be stopped, 
and all the world will become guilty before 
God. The Lord alone will be exalted in that 
day. O may we be then and ever found 
clothed in the righteousness of Christ, that 
the shame of our nakedness may not appear. 
With sincere wishes for your prosperity tem- 
poral and spiritual, 1 am your affectionate 
friend, 

Mary Morton. 

The following letter, written in 1810, cer- 
tainly breathes a spirit of fraternal affection, 
and of tender solicitude for the immortal wel- 
fare of her nearest relations. 

New Bedford, Dec. 22, 1810. 
Amidst the cares of business and the en- 



109 

dearments of domestic scenes, my dear broth- 
er and sister have been called to witness the 
solemnities of death and the struggles of dis- 
solving nature ; and with tears of filial grief 
to resign a parent to the dust. The event is 
painfully afflictive; and, though 1 have never 
been taught by experience how to sympa- 
thize, yet I am not altogether insensible to 
your painful emotions ; and the sincere de- 
sire of my heart is that your wounds may be 
healed by the great and good Physician of 
soul and body. May you be consoled by the 
heavenly Comforter, who has access to the 
heart, whose joys are such as the world know 
not of. May your hearts be inclined to hear 
and attend to the call of God in this provi- 
dence, " Be ye also ready, for in such an hour 
as ye think not the Son of man cometh.' 1 
How much is implied in the admonition, 
" Be ye also ready ?" Naturally we are " chil- 
dren of wrath even as others," estranged from 
pur Creator, and enemies to him by wicked 
works ; born under the curse of a violated law. 
the awful threatenings of which are in full 
force against every one who is not a true be- 
liever in the Lord Jesus ; and nothing, but the 
compassionate forbearance of that God against 
whom we are so unreasonably rebelling, pre- 
vents the immediate execution of that awful 
sentence, " the soul that sinneth it shall die. ,? 
Language cannot express more strikinglv, 



110 

than is expressed in the sacred volume, the 
amazing danger of impenitent sinners. Unre- 
conciled to God, strangers to the way of sal- 
vation by Jesus Christ, surely in such a state 
we are most unready to meet the Son of man, 
when he cometh to death and the day of final 
Judgment. That we are naturally insensible 
of being in a state of such imminent danger 
is not a proof of our safety. If we receive 
the Bible as the inspiration of God, we must 
be confirmed in the belief of our danger, and 
also of our insensibility to it. Infinitely con- 
descending is the great Lord and Lawgiver of 
the universe, that he stoops to reason with 
his rebellious subjects, and invite them to rec- 
tum unto him. He has provided an infinite 
citonernent for all their offences, has opened a 
new and living way of reconciliation by of- 
fering his w beloved Son," his " Fellow and 
Equal" for a mediatorial sacrifice, that we 
who are dead in trespasses and sins might 
live, forever live, in the realms of heavenly 
glory. The compassionate Redeemer, who 
was u God manifest in the flesh," entreats us 
by every moving consideration to turn, re- 
pent, and live. — * 6 Behold I stand at the door 
and knock; if any man hear my voice and 
open the door, I will come in and sup with 
him, and he with me." He has also purchas- 
ed the mission of the Holy Spirit, to "reprove 
the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judg- 



in 

ment." And do not our consciences witness 
that he has been sent to us. Have we not 
felt ourselves reproved of sin, and at times 
have we not been filled with fears of future 
judgment? If we have, O then, as we value 
the eternal interests of our souls, let us attend 
to the calls wfrile the day of grace continues ; 
for we are assured that he will not always 
strive, but if we refuse to hear and attend, if 
we despise the chastenings and calls of God 9 
he will laugh at our calamity and mock when 
our fear cometh. O my dear brother and 
sister, what is the enjoyment of this world of 
sin and death, to the unfading glories of heav? 
en ? What is the honor of this world , to that 
which cometh from God, — to be honored as 
children of the eternal Father, and to inherit 
a crown of glory which fadeth not away?— 
What are the most exalted pleasures which 
can be enjoyed, while in a state of alienation 
from God, — which can charm but for a mo? 
ment and then be extinguished forever by 
the night of eternal death and despair,— what 
are they, when compared with the joys of 
pardoned sin, peace with God, through our 
Lord Jesus Christ, and 3, rich prelibation of 
heavenly enjoyipents ? I would entreat my 
dear brother and sister immediately to weigh 
these important concerns,— now while life 
and health are granted, while there is hope 
that the door of mercy is not shut againet 



112 

them; while the Lord says, " Behold now is 
the accepted time, behold now is the day of 
salvation," Ask yourselves solemnly^ whicti 
is of the greatest consequence, a few days of 
earthly care and disappointment, in the ser- 
vice of the great enemy of all good, or an in- 
heritance incorruptible, undefiled, and which 
fadeth not away.— May the Lord enable you 
ip make a wise choice,— a choice which angels 
and saints will approve, which God requires, 
and which you will reflect on with approba- 
tion and triumph in the solemn hour of death, 
and in the tremendous hour of the general 
dissolution of all things, How can I endure 
the thought that my nearest earthly friends^ 
to whom God has given talents for usefulness, 
should any longer withhold their hearts from 
God and abuse his bounties by employing 
them in the service of the world and the 
grand apostate. The words of Christ are 
€; He that is not with me is against me." Every 
motive whlph ought to influence a rational 
immortal being urges you to an immediate 
attention to your souls,— to repentance and 
faith in the Savior. The souls of your chil- 
dren are committed to your care and will be 
required at your hands. O let ther^ not per- 
ish through your neglect The day of death 
and the day of judgment present themselves 
to my view, not as idle tales, but as solemn 
realities, which we must as certainly pass 



113 

through, as that we are now in existence.-— 
How can I endure that any of my dear friends 
should be called to meet them while out of 
the ark of safety. . Lest it should be through 
my neglect, let me continually warn, entreat, 
and beseech with the utmost importunity. 
And after all that can be said, the half is not 
told respecting their eternal moment. Lan- 
guage connot paint it, neither can we con- 
ceive it until the curtain of time is dropped 
and the awful realities of eternity open to 
our astonished view. Yet let me not des- 
pair, but look to him who hath said, what- 
soever ye shall ask in my name, believing, ye 
shall receive, perad venture he will give re- 
pentance to the saving of the soul. Realizing 
that the time is short, let us work while it is 
called to-day, for the night comeih wherein 
jioman can work. 

Your affectionate sister, 

Mary Morton,, 



Middleborough, — 1 8 1 1 • 
To Miss B. M. 
My heart has been greatly rejoiced, my be- 
loved sister, in hearing that you have been 
enabled to come forward publicly and own 
the name of our once crucified and now as- 
cended King. He is worthy of all honor 
and praise; and the most zealous services of 



114 

all his creatures cannot equal his infinite 
merit. Of what astonishing presumption and 
ingratitude then shall those be found guilty, 
who despise his righteousness and go about to 
establish a righteousness of their own. And 
it is what we all naturally incline to do.- — 
Nothing but the powerful influence of the 
Holy Spirit will effect the mighty work of 
leading the sinner to renounce his own good- 
ness and submit to the sovereign mercy of 
God. The rejected and misconceived doc- 
trine of Election is the only solid basis on 
which to rest the church. Christ has declar- 
ed that the gates of hell shall never prevail 
against his church. He who hath promised 
is also able to perform. Being stronger than 
the strong maii armed, and all power in heav- 
en and on earth being committed to his hands, 
what can possibly prevent the accomplish? 
ment of his promise? Certainty nothing. It 
is impossible that* one jot or tittle should fail 
of all his promises. Therefore every one, 
who has committed to him the keeping of 
his soul, is perfectly secure, Npthing shall se- 
parate him from the arms of everlasting love. 
If Jesus be himself the corner Stone on which 
the church is built ; and if he also assures us 
of his determination to complete the building, 
which determination, I conceive, involves in 
it the doctrine of election, then we may safe- 
ly trust, and rejoice in the belief of it t The 



115 

counsel of the Lord shall stand, and he will 
do all his pleasure. His purposes are, like 
his nature, immutable. Holy and righteous 
are all his judgments ; and to the truly re- 
conciled soul nothing can afibrd greater se- 
curity and satisfaction, than a firm belief of 
the universal government of God. Will not 
the spontaneous language of the believer be 
in unison with the royal Psalmist, " The Lord 
reigneth, let the earth rejoice ; let the multi- 
tude of the isles be glad thereof." 

My heart expands to welcome you to the 
fellowship of our church. I trust the Lord 
by his Spirit has made you measurably sensi- 
ble of your own unworthiness, and given you 
faith to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your 
righteousness, sanctification, and complete re- 
demption. I hope and trust you are interest- 
ed in the everlasting covenant, ordered in all 
things and sure. In addition to the ties of af- 
fection which had united our hearts, we are 
now under solemn, covenant obligations to 
watch over and to love each other. May di- 
vine grace be imparted to us to make us faith- 
ful unto death; — faithful to him by whose 
holy name we are called, to each other, and 
in all the relative duties of life. I must re- 
quest an interest in your petitions, and the 
plainest reproof, whenever you find me 
wandering from duty's path. I hope I may 
be enabled to comply with your request of a 



116 

similar nature, if need should ever require.— 
But I hope the grace of God may be abun- 
dantly imparted to you, making you a means 
of good to all around, and a blessing to the 
church in that place. The flock in B. is a 
"little flock ;" but if truly a flock belonging 
to Christ, they may receive the precious 
word, " fear not for it is your Father's good 
pleasure to give you the kingdom." 

All the servants of Prince Immanuel are 
not called to endure the same conflicts, or to 
act in the same station ; but all are dear to 
him, as the purchase of his blood, and are 
placed by him in the stations, where they are 
Beeded, and grace is given them equal to their 
day. They are clad with the King's livery 
and fed from his table. The righteousness of 
Christ is the glorious robe which believers 
wear; and though the blind world cannot dis- 
cover its efficacy or glory, and have no know- 
ledge of the dignity it ensures ; yet he know-- 
eth his own sheep, and will not be regardless 
of the pledge of his love. The solemn day of 
final decision will discover the characters of 
those, who, though they may have been set 
at nought by the world and counted as the 
off-scoiiring of all things, are precious in the 
sight of the Lord and counted as his jewels. — 
I think with concern of my dear N****, and 
would request a remembrance to her as well 
as to my other pupils, I have frequently 



ill 

the joy to Tiear from one place and another 
of little children and young persons, who are 
hopefully converted and brought to give their 
hearts to the Savior in the morning of their 
days. Should it please God to operate thus 
in B.5 it would greatly rejoice the hearts of 
all good people ; and the souls of many dear 
young friends there are equally valuable with 
those in other places* How shall they es- 
cape if they neglect so great salvation- 
Mary Morton* 



Upon perusing this and some other letters 
] in the series, we may refaiark that those who 
reproach themselves most severely for their 
languor are often the most lively in spiritual 
affections; and^ while they are lamenting 
their own barrenness, they appear evidently 
to others to be fruitful in good works. This 
1 strain of lamentation may be indulged both 
in conversation and in Writing, until it be- 
comes a mere whining affectation. Then it 
is disgusting* But when it is evidently the 
'offspring of sincere conviction, it denotes 
christian humility. Moses wist not when 
his face shone. 



10 



118 

Middleborbiighy— 1811.- 

To Mrs. F. C. 

Respected and dear Sister, 

You have frequently and kindly encouraged! 
me to write, and I enjoy too much pleasure ia 
complying with the request to omit any op- 
portunity* As I advance in age and exper- 
ience I discover more and more of human de- 
pravity around me, and more especially with- 
in me, and am led to wonder at the patience 
and forbearance of God. Were it not for the as- 
surance which the scriptures contain, that for 
his own name's sake God will continue his 
church in the world, and will gather in his 
elect; that Christ shall "see of the travail of 
his soul, and be satisfied f what hope could 
we reasonably indulge that another soul 
would ever be regenerated ? Did the all-im- 
portant work of salvation rest on the free will 
of natural meri? how sad, how hopeless, would 
be the state of our world ? But, adored be the 
wisdom and grace of God, he has concerted a 
glorious plan, whereby he can glorify himself 
in the salvation of an unnumerable multitude 
of all nations, tongues, and people. What an 
astonishing, inconceivable glory will be re- 
flected on the perfections and attributes of 
the eternal Jehovah at the day of Judgment. 
Then, I conceive, the ways of Providence, 
^hicl? are in this world often inscrutable even 



119 

to the godly soul will be fully unfolded ; artd 
the wisdom of all, as well as the benevolent 
design, will appear in the clearest light. The 
tempted, afflicted believer shall see and re- 
joice in the grace, which led him in the right 
way, and will doubtless be fully sensible that 
all his trials were necessary ^ and that he aev- 
er was made to feel heaviness unless there 
was a necessity for it. My mother says she 
has enjoyed much heart-felt satisfaction: in 
reflecting how gloriously the character of 
God, and his wisdom and goodness in ■the 
dealings of his providence, will be cleared 
from the imputations, which an ungodly world 
is continually easting upon them f Then, at 
the day of final consummation, all these things 
will be opened. God's waj^s will appear as 
they are, glorious and holy; and confusion 
will be poured upon the despisers and oppos-t 
ers of his government. All his ways are per- 
fect rectitude. Holy beings, saibts, angels, 
cherubim, and seraphim will unite in saying 
"holy, holy Lord God Almighty ; just and 
true are thy ways, thou King of saints. 35 

O that J could feel the importance of these 
things; — that my heart ceuld be raised to 
heavenly contemplations, and freed from 
earthly ties. How true is it that we are of 
the earth, earthy. I have it for a continual 
lamentation, that my affections are chained, 
as it were, down to earth. Sometimes one 



120 

particular object will operate as a weight to 
gink me down, and, if I am enabled to lay that 
aside, or if it be taken away, then another will 
take its place ; and thus I go on sinning against 
God, Those, who know my situation as to 
outward things, may think there is nothing to 
prevent my being wholly devoted to the sei> 
vice of God, There is nothing but a wicked 
heart, a slothful carnal mind ; therefore is 
my sin the more aggravated. How shall I, 
who have enjoyed such precious privileges, 
answer for such a poor improvement of them ? 
1 have solemn reason to fear I shall be cut 
down, as a cumberer of the ground, and re- 
ceive my portion among the despisers and re- 
jecters of the gospel, But I ought not tp 
burden you with the tale of my unfruitfulness. 
I hope and trust you enjoy the smiles of the 
Savior in your soul, and feel his grace to be 
sufficient for you in every trial. I greatly 
desire to see you. But above all 1 hope th$ 
peace of God may be with you. 

Mary Morton, 



Middleborough, -*- 1811, 
To Miss H. P. 
Dear Sister, 

Your last kind letter did not reach me till 
pome time after I had written to you. It was 



121 

truly welcome ; and, as much as my cold 
heart is capable, I have sympathized in your 
complaints. We are inconsistent, unrecon- 
ciled, unholy creatures. We are naturally 
destitute of every good thing ; and not only 
destitute of the least principle of good, but 
wholly opposed to that which is good, resist- 
ing the grace of God, and doing despite to 
the Spirit of truth. Is not this the picture 
which the infallible word has drawn of the 
Jiuman heart : and our daily experience con- 
firms the humiliating truth, I do not think, 
my dear, that your complaint? are peculiar; 
but many, very many, who are considered 
the friends of Christ, are making the same 
lamentatfon, and are ready to exclaim against 
themselves as the vilest wretches living. But 
though a knowledge, that many christians are 
exercised ii> the same manner as we are, may 
Jceep us from despair; yet I conceive we 
ought npt to rest on that ground,but seek a fresh 
application of the blood of sprinkling to pur 
polluted souls. The greater our sense of sin, 
and danger, the more speedy and urgent 
should be our cries to him who is able to de- 
liver, and has declared hirnscif willing to 
receive all, who feel their need of his grace. 
I sometimes think I have a faint gleam of 
light from the infinite fountain, which is con- 
tained in him, who is the light of the world. 
But alas, I fear my conduct gives the lie t% 

10* 



122 

such an assertion. Blindness and obduracy 
are still my companions, and instead of mak- 
ing progress in diyine knowledge, I fear I am 
much more carnal, than jvhen you saw me, 
I must repeat again in this letter how much I 
need your friendly counsel and reproof. But 
as we cannot now enjoy past privileges, let 
us improve those which are yet in our power 
by writing frequently. Soon we shall be plac- 
ed bej^ond the reach of means. And if we be 
the friends of Christ, it will be n blessed re- 
move; otherwise, most awful. O may we 
not be among that most unhappy number of 
professed friends of Christ, who must hear 
the heart-rending sound, " Depart, I know 
you not, ye workers of iniquity." 

Since beginning my letter 1 have seen Mrs* 
J., who has given me some particulars re- 
specting the trials of your Church in F, She 
£eems dejected on that account, and indeed I 
cannot wonder, for we are prone to forget the 
promised care of the great Shepbprd; and 
are ready to despond, when appearances are 
dark* But we should do well to rernember 
that the children of God wjjj never be utter-? 
}y forsaken, though they may be in difficul- 
ties ; and may be carried captives into Chal- 
dea and Babylon ; yet even there God will be 
with them, and will guard thern by the migh^ 
%y hand of his power, Do not our soul$ 
pany fishes say, blessed be God for the safety 



its 

of his church? "The gates of hell shall not 
prevail against her." Hath he said it, and 
shall he not do it ? "No weapon formed against 
thee shall prosper." Is \i not enough ? O let 
us " chide our unbelieving fears, and turn 
them to a song." We cannot see how alj 
these crossing and intricate events can be 
made subservient to the gre.at good of the 
church? But we are blind ; smd, if we realiz- 
ed it, and were willing to believe what we 
cannot see by reason of this blindness, we 
should live more comfortably ; and our con- 
duct would be more honorable to our great 
Master, We have beloved and faithful earth- 
ly friends, and we believe and trust them. — 
Do we as readily trust our Heavenly Friend ? 
Unbelief like a canker, eats out the very 
heart of our religion, and makes us dreadful- 
ly unprofitable, as well as without comfort. 
May it be banished from our hearts, and may 
we this year, if never before, bring forth some 
fruit, to the glory of God. 

¥opr unworthy sister, 

Mary Morton. 



The following letter relates to the ordina- 
tion of a Pastor over the church in New Bed- 
ford, of which the subject of these memoirs 
was a membero This circumstance alone wa§ 



124 

sufficient to render the transaction a subject 
of interest to her. But it was a day of pecu- 
liar trial with that church. This ordination 
was solemnized, when the church were in a 
state of separation from the parish, and of 
voluntary exclusion from the meeting-house. 
They were resolved to maintain their princi- 
ples, and their independence in opposition to 
a majority in the society. This ordination 
was therefore a subject of peculiar interest to 
her, and to all who separated from the society. 
Though their trials were severe, they were 
blessed. That church has enjoyed the smiles 
of Providence, and increasing prosperity to 
the present time. 

Middleborough, — 1811. 
To Miss B. M. 
Dear Sister, 

I acknowledge with grateful emotions, the* 
receipt of two letters since 1 wrote you, the 
last of which gave information of Mr. H's or^ 
dination. I was very desirous to be present, 
but could see no way consistently to leave 
my school without a neglect of duty. 

I have since been informed that the exer- 
cises were peculiarly solemn and interesting, 
and I expected to hear it. The council were 
such as we trust feel the importance of these 
transactions, and are apparently favored with 



much of the divine presence. May the seed 
then sown be watered by the divine Spirit, 
that it may spring up, and bear much fruit to 
the praise and glory of God. I trust the love 
of Gospel Truth is so deeply engraven on the 
hearts of a precious few in New Bedford, that 
it never will be hidden. Providential cir- 
cumstances, which are often disclosing, 
strengthen me in the belief that the truth 
must be preached, as well as believed, in that 
place. O that it maybe accompanied with 
divine power for the growth of christians; 
and be made as sharp arrows in the hearts of 
the King's enemies, whereby they maybe 
njade to fall under him, 

fs there not at this time a peculiar call for 
the zealous exertions of those, who love the 
Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity? Commotions 
in churches, as well as in earthly associations, 
are frequent and portentous; and the events 

\ of Providence, I think, loudly call for an at- 
tention to the -signs of the times.' 5 Surely 
all these things are not ^natters of chance; 
but are solemn calls to the friends of Zion to 

'lift up a standard, because iniquity abounds, 
and the love of many waxes cold. Ought we 
not very diligently and carefully to search 
and enquire into our real characters; — since 
it appears evident the time is rapidly advanc- 

j ing, when a separation will be made between 
the clean and the unclean, the holy and pro- 



126 

fane. The great Head of the Church cer- 
tainly will not always suffer his " little flock," 
to be so blended with the world, as to be 
scarcely discernible. " My kingdom is not 
of this worlds" — The kingdom of Christ is 
entirely different from all other kingdoms. 
It is founded on a different basis, even the 
eternal Rock of Ages ; governed by different 
laws ; supported by different weapons. Tho' 
despised and set at nought by a wicked 
world ; its excellency and glory are indescrib. 
able. It will be continually unfolding to the 
astonishment of all holy beings throughout 
eternity* And now, dear sister, let us care* 
fully enquire, whether we are subjects of this 
glorious kingdom ? Have we the external gar- 
ments and the internal adorning ? 

We have reason to bless the infinite com- 
passion of God, that there is a door opened 
for the reception of subjects ; and on such an 
infinitely gracious plan, that the most vile 
and obdurate rebel may be received and trea- 
ted as a friend, whenever he will lay down 
his arms. Though he is altogether filthy 
and diseased, here is cleansing and health. — • 
Though destitute of clothing and arms of de* 
fence, here is white raiment clean and pure, 
and the whole armor of the gospel. The 
real christian is a a citizen of no mean city,"— 
and is enlisted under the banner of a glorious 
Prince, even the blessed Immanuel, 



127 

Is there not evidently at this day a violent 
struggle between the two kingdoms of light 
cand of darkness ? Satan is inflamed with great 
rage, because he hath but a short time. We 
fcknow which will prevail ; for with the King 
,of Zion is everlasting strength. But a ques- 
tion arises in my mind ; — Am I returned to 
jthe Shepherd and Bishop of souls, and enlist- 
'ed under the banner of the cross ; or, am I still 
m stranger and an enemy ? — May we be as- 
sisted in searching and trying ourselves ; and, 
if we are interested in these great blessings, 
may the Spirit bear witness with our spirits, 
that we are born of God. Give my love to 
?N — , hope she will become a young disciple. 
Your unworthy friend, 

Mary Morton. 



The following letter contains some very 
good reflexions upon the spirit of contro- 
versy. 

Middleborough, — 1811. 
To Miss H. P. 
Dear Sister, 

It appears to me, if I had a real love for the 
.peace of Zion, 1 could weep in secret places 
for the trials of my brethren and sisters 
in B. In the New Testament the church 



128 

is called the "house of God," the " body of 
Christ." Reflecting on the situation of the 
church on both sides of the river, are we not 
led to enquire " is Christ divided?" Where is 
the unity, the harmony the fellowship of the 
saints? A house divided against itself cannot 
stand* We have reason to be very grateful 
for what has been done for the establishment 
of the truth ; and, from what has been done 
for us^ we have reason to trust that he who 
has, as we cannot but believe, "begun a good 
work," will perfect the same, and purify his 
house and people. Though to us the appear- 
ance may be dark, yet infinite wisdom and 
almighty power are sufficient to overrule all 
for the accomplishment of the glorious pur- 
poses of grace* In such seasons we have pe- 
culiar need of humility and watchfulness, lest 
a wrong spirit should actuate us ; — lest we 
should not preserve the meekness of the 
lamb. There is so much of the old man re* 
fnaining, that we are exceedingly prone to 
improper warmth in controversies* The 
apostolic injunctions, 6i let all bitterness and 
wrath and anger and clamor and evil-speaking 
be put away from you with all malice," and, 
" be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, 
forgiving one another, even as God, for 
Christ's sake, hath forgiven you," contain a 
sweet portrait of the christian temper. Alas 
that I feel no more conformed to it. When 



|?9 

we all agree in sentiment and practice it is 
Hot so difficult to " love as brethren." But 
when our opinions are controverted and our 
wishes thwarted, it is less easy to practice the 
gospel precepts* Every real christian has this 
promise, "my grace is sufficient for thee." 
And that is enough* Let us hate faith to 
plead that, and we need not fear. I feel for 
you on account of the trials you are called to 
endure, and wish I could enjoy a spirit of 
prayer to plead for you ; but I feel nothing 
as I ought ; in all things I come short and in 
many offend all. But I trust you are support^ 
ed by an unseen hand, and comforted by the 
promised presence of the holy Spirit. I can- 
not express, my dear H*****, now much I 
wish to see you. May you enjoy much of 
the divine presence, and be made a blessing 
to Zion. 

Your unworthy sister, 

Mary Morton* 



If the christian reader does not find that 
his own heart responds to the correctness of 
the sentiments contained in the following ex- 
tract of a letter to her parents, he may at 
least be consoled by the recollection that the 
perusal of it occupied his time but a few mo- 
ments. It is short, and appears to have been 
composed in haste^ but is the effusion of a 
pious mind* 1 1 



130 

Middleborough, — 1811.* 

I am rationally convinced that there is no 
object worthy the pursuit of a rational, im- 
mortal being, but the gloiy of God and the 
promotion of his cause. 1 am in a measure 
sensible, that there is happiness in no other 
path of life. Honor is a puff of empty air. 
Worldly pleasures belie their name. The re- 
finement of intellectual enjoyment cannot sat- 
isfy the soul. Only in the pure and benevo- 
lent religion of Jesus Christ is there real 
peace and solid joy. Yet alas, instead of be- 
ing devoted to the service of the Lord, I am 
entrenched with a spirit of selfishness, as 
with a prison wall, and nothing but almigh- 
ty grace can set me free, or enable me to be 
what I should be, and to live as I ought. O 
that the compassionate Savior, who came to 
preach deliverance to the captives, and the 
opening of the prison doors to them that are 
bound, would bring me up out of my spiritual 
dungeon and put his own garment on me that 
the shame of my nakedness might not appear. 
O that it might please him to prepare me for 
some humble service in his vineyard. The 
depravity of my nature, the plague of my 
heart, and the inconsistency of my life, are 
sufficient to keep me very low in my own 
eyes, did I rightly reflect on them; but I am 
prone to be proud and haughty. 1 cannot say 



131 

with the Psalmist, "my heart is not haughty, 
nor my eyes lofty;" but, if not deceived, I 
can say I sincerely wish to feel so. 1 hope 
you are enabled to live more like christians 
at home, than 1 do abroad, for I am very far 
from being engaged as I ought. 

Your unworthy daughter, 

Mary Morton. 

The two following letters manifest a pious 
solicitude for one who had been her pupil, 
that she might become a follower of the 
Lamb. 

Freetown, 1812. 

To Miss S. H. 
Can my dear S**** after a silence of sev- 
eral years receive with complacency a line 
from so negligent a correspondent ? During 
the winter 1 felt a strong inclination to write 
you, and determined to embrace the first con* 
venient opportunity of conveyance ; but be- 
fore any presented 1 was informed of the re- 
vival in A. On this account I have thought 
much more of you and the other young ladies, 
my former pupils. If the desires of my heart 
are granted, you are all ere this partakers of 
the great salvation of the gospel. Truly 
"now is the accepted time and now is the day 
of salvation." Jesus is now passing th^t way 



132 

grid poor blind sinners $re now especially 
called upon to " return, repent, and live." 
He is waiting to be gracious, saying, "behold 
I stand at the door and knock* If any will 
open unto me I will come in and sup with him, 
and he with me. ,? His infinite condescen- 
sion astonishes the heavenly host ; and those 
of the human family, whose eyes are not seal* 
ed by sin, are exclaiming, "behold what man- 
ner of love/ 5 The unfathomable depths of 
his love, which p^sseth knowledge, will furn- 
ish a delightful subject of contemplation, and 
will be continually unfolding through a waste* 
less eternity. O how dreadfully depraved 
are our hearts to despise and reject such offers 
of pardoning love, as are made to us at the ex- 
pense of a Savior's sweat and blood. Can 
we believe, my dear S******, that a spark of 
native goodness exists in such hearts? Surely 
■' the whole head is sick and the whole heart 
faint." And the malady is not only univer- 
sal, but exceedingly obstinate, so much so that 
almighty power is necessary for its removal. 
The vast importance of our souls' concerns 
cannot be tpo much impressed on our minds. 
We are worse than lunatic to neglect them as 
we do. The Spirit of God has recorded in 
the inspired volume the infinite danger, to 
which we are ever exposed, while in a state 
of unregeneracy. Enemies to God, and with* 
out Christ; continually contending with tb^t 



133 

almighty arm, which created and preserves 
us, provoking divine anger by our transgres- 
sions; despising the riches of his grace, and 
defying by our conduct the threatenings of 
his vengeance, how exceedingly vile must we 
be in the sight of God ? And this, my dear, is 
^ very faint sketch of the real state in which 
you and I are living, unless we have been 
translated from the kingdom of darkness into 
God's marvellous light, Ought we not then 
immediately to enquire, what our real char- 
acters are ? If we have passed from death un- 
to life, we must have some evidence of it; 
and, if we have not, we are this moment un- 
der sentence of condemnation, and exposed 
to all the threatened judgments of God 
against those y who believe not the gospel. In- 
finite forbearance now proclaims, " to-day, af- 
ter so long a time, if ye will hear his voice, 
harden not your hearts." If we now refuse 
to return, it may hereafter be said to us, " be- 
cause I have called and ye refused, I also will 
laugh at your calamity and mock when your 
fear cometh." u My spirit shall not always 
strive with man." 

Permit me, my dear S., with the ardor of 
affectionate friendship, as in the fear of God, 
to entreat you, if you have not already done 
it, immediately to repent and believe in the 
X^ord Jesus Christ, yielding yourself to his 
service as one alive from fee dead. Can we 

I! * 



134 

wish for a more glorious Savior or a more 
compassionate High Priest ? It is an unspeakv 
able honor to be a subject of so glorious a 
King. He is the brightness of the Father's 
glory and the express image of his person. 
Notwithstanding he wag exalted with the Fa- 
ther above all blessing and honor, yet he con- 
descended to become of no reputation and 
take upon him the form of a servant, becom- 
ing obedient unto death, even the death of 
the cross, that he might open a way for the 
everlasting salvation of his enemies and mur- 
derers. Infinite compassion dwells in his 
hearty eternal glory is at his disposal; and, 
fearful truth, everlasting destruction awaits his 
incorrigible enemies, when he shall be reveal- 
ed from Heaven in flaming fire, taking ven- 
geance on them that know not God and obey 
not the gospel. Now the sweet language of 
invitation and entreaty dwells on his lips. 
" Whosoever will let him take of the water of 
life freely." " Turn ye, turn ye, why will ye 
die." The great salvation js freely offered 
without money and without price. May we 
be sweetly drawn unto him that we may be 
filled with all joy and peace in believing, that 
pur sins may be pardonecl and our souls pre- 
pared for the coming of the Lord. 

I have heard with pleasure that your aunt 
F. has become a disciple of Christ. I hope 
the information is correct ; and that I shall 



m 



hear the same intelligence from all my other 
pupils. 

With sincere affection, yours, &c. 
Mary Morton. 



New Bedford, — 1812, 

To Miss S. H. 

From the tenor of your last letter, my dear 
S., I was led to hope that the Holy Spirit was 
striving with you to bring you to an expert 
mental knowledge of your own lost, wretch- 
ed, and guilty state 9 and of the only way of 
lalvation through a precious Redeemer. Tho? 
] have not heard from A. for some time, I 
hope the good work is still carried on, that 
you are a sharer, and have begun your ever- 
lasting song of praise for redeeming love ? 
Whatever blinded, stupid mortals may think 
of religious revivals, and of conversion by the 
influence of the Holy Spirit, 1 am convinced 
by the concurrent testimony of scripture and 
experience, that they are the greatest bless- 
ings, which can be bestowed on a people.— 
And perhaps no sin has a more direct tenden- 
cy to harden the heart, and sear the con- 
pqience; than opposition, or neglect of such a 
work of God. Melancholy indeed -must be 
the state of any one, who has seen such a day 

of Christ's power, and refused to submit. 

r 



136 

Must not this be their despairing complaint, 
" The harvest is past, the summer is ended, 
and we are not saved/' Yet for the encourage* 
ment of any mourning soul, who is at any 
time made willing to come to Christ, and is 
fearful the day of grace is past, the inspired 
penman says, ci To-day, after so long a time, 
if ye will hear his voice, harden not your 
hearts/ 5 The most unequivocal testimony is 
given in the volume of inspiration of the will- 
ingness of Christ to receive all, who will come 
to him for salvation. " Turn ye, turn ye, for 
w r hy will ye die ?" — Come unto me all ye that 
labor and are heavy laden and I will give you 
rest." Are we convinced ofhavingahard and 
stony heart. The promise will apply, " 1 will 
take away the heart of stone and give you an 
heart of flesh." If a sense of inward pollution 
press heavy upon the mind, the blood of 
Christ cleanses from all sin. The religion of 
Jesus Christ is exactly suited to the case of 
guilty, self-destroyed sinners. No possible 
case can be found, for which there is not am- 
ple provision in the gospel. Infinite wisdom 
could not devise, nor infinite love execute a 
plan more honorable to the divine attributes, 
nor more safe or more happy for the humble 
soul. Yet all this wisdom, which is the won- 
der of angels and saints, is esteemed foolish- 
ness by the wise of this world, and is reject- 
ed with disdain. And why? Because it levels 



137 

the pride of man and exalts the glorious char* 
acter of God. If my dear S. wishes to seek 
for glory and immortal blessedness, let her 
enlist under the banner of the Savior, who 
hath brought life and immortality to light 
through the gospel. 

I sometimes hope I have some small discov*- 
eries of the glory of the gospel salvation, and 
am filled with astonishment that I can live so 
amazingly stupid. I see the riches of divine 
grace, in a very imperfect manner, but am 
frequently distressed by desponding gloomy 
fears, for the want of faith, and the unwilling- 
ness of my carnal heart to come to Christ. I 
do by no means feel or live according to the 
gospel. But it is not owing to any defect 
in that. My own obstinacy and blindness are 
the cause. Yet I feel that it is important for 
others, even if I myself should be a castaway* 
The souls of others are of equal value, and 
eternal life will be to them equally precious; 
and their superior talents for usefulness per- 
haps makes it more desirable that they should 
embrace the gospel. None will perish be* 
cause there is not an infinite fullness ; — none 
will be lost because their sins are too great to 
be cleansed by the blood of atonement. Noth- 
ing will shut the soul out of heaven but per- 
severing impenitence. Whom then will the 
condemned sinner find to accuse as the cause 
of his damnation ? Will not his mouth be stop- 



133 

fed by a consciousness that he has been his 
own destroyer ? Fearful thought, that a be- 
ing, formed for immortality > should by his 
own madness and perverse refusal of offered 
salvation plunge himself into hopeless des- 
pair, and make that immortality a curse ! 
With perfect truth is it said " madness is in 
their hearts while they live." In the hour of 
reflexion, when the actions of our past lives 
come up in remembrance, are we not aston- 
ished at the long-suffering and forbearance of 
God to us? Should we thus have borne with 
a fellow creature, even a beloved friend, much 
less with a relentless enemy? And now even 
after such displays of divine compassion, are 
we ready to believe fully in the Savior and 
devote ourselves unreservedly to his service? 
1 hope we shall be made willing in the day of 
God's power ; that our hearts may be subdued 
by the love of Jesus, and thereby constrained 
to live to his glory. But if we should perish 
after the enjoyment of such privileges, the 
throne of God will be guiltless, and we must 
be speechless. May the Lord graciously 
humble us and give us joy and peace in be* 
Jieving. 

Your affectionate friend, 

Mary Mprton, 



139 

Miss Morton, while she resided in New 
Bedford and in other places, comparatively 
free from worldly cares, and with all the ar- 
dor of youth, was peculiarly devoted to the 
cause of Missions* By her influence especial- 
ly a Female Association was formed at New 
Bedford in 1812, styled " the Heathen 
Friends.' 5 She drew up a Constitution. She 
met with many kindred spirits in that place, 
who were prepared to second her in this work 
of disinterested benevolence; and the society 
flourished. It continues to prosper to the 
present day. 

This association originated among the fe- 
male members of the congregational churchy 
but was not confined to them. The society 
invited females of all denominations, ranks! 
and ages to unite with them, and their num- 
ber soon became respectable. No certain 
sum was required as an annual contribution ; 
but every one was permitted to contribute 
according to her ability. The only officers 
appointed were a Committee to collect and 
appropriate the contributions; and these 
were called Assistants. The society was or- 
ganized without any ostentation or parade; 
and the contributions though not large were 
respectable. 

By the influence of Miss Morton other sim- 
ilar associations were formed in Rochester^ 
Wareham, and other places in the vicinity •— 



140 









These Branches of the Parent Society at 
New Bedford still continue, and their annual 
contributions are among the rills which now 
flow into the treasury of the American Board* 
The influence of the Subject of these Memoirs 
Was seldom seen; but her letters gave the 
first impulse to missionary exertion, especial- 
ly among the females, in that part of the 
State. 

What gave the first impulse of missionary 
zeal to her own mind may be perceived from 
the following letter to a lady in Hallowed 
written as early as 1811. 

Freetown, Sept. 8, 1811* 
To Mrs* N* N. 
Dear Sister, 
In the tenth number of the Panoplist, Mr* 
Burder's letter has excited my attention, — 
This sentence particularly, "The call for Mis* 
sionaries in the Namaqua country is great/ 
induced a train of thought which I shall take 
the liberty of communicating to you, as I trust 
you are* by divine grace, inspired with some 
thing of a Missionary spirit. Could 1 be 
made a mean of any good in a cause so glori- 
ous, I should esteem it beyond any earthly 
honor or emolument. There are many pow- 
erful reasons, which may be urged in favor of 
the African Mission, reasons which we, as a 
nation, and as a professedly christian people 




141 

ought to feel. Though the New England 
States have not been deeply stained with the 
guilt of the slave trade, yet we are not whol- 
ly free. And as we are confederated with 
the Southern States, where slavery abounds, 
we, as a part of the nation, must feel ourselves 
very guilty on that account. Have we any 
right to expect national blessings unless na* 
tional sins are repented of? And is it not the 
duty of every individual,howevei private may 
be the station in which he or she is called to 
act, to mourn and bewail over national sins, 
and to do all in his power towards their a- 
mendment? The awful prevalence, the indes- 
cribable cruelty of the slave trade is in my 
View a powerful argument in favor of the Af- 
rican Mission. Past sins cannot it is true be 
atoned for in this way, — We must look to him 
1vho alone hath power to forgive sins for the 
pardon of this as well as all other crimes. — 
And if the infinite riches of his grace can be 
extended to such guilty creatures as we, do 
not gratitude, love, and all the affections, 
which ought to fill the hearts of ransomed 
rebels, loudly call on us to be active in the 
service of him who has redeemed us with his 
own blood ? Is it not highly rational, that we 
should use every exertion to spread the 
knowledge of his name among our dying fel- 
low creatures, that they also may turn from 
their evil ways and live ? Is there afcy por* 



142 

tion of the human family who have k greater 
claim upon our benevolence, than those who 
have suffered so long the unspeakable miser- 
ies of slavery from our hands ? The name oi 
Christian, in the minds of poor Africans, and 
indeed of many other nations, is associated 
with the basest crimes and the most detesta- 
ble cruelty. May those who are real chris- 
tians be enabled by grace to make such benev- 
olent exertions for the spreading of the gos- 
pel and the salvation of the poor heathen, as 
shall convince them of the excellence, the 
purity, and benevolence of real christian- 

The Lord has opened a door for the gospel 
in South Africa, and may we not hope, yea 
confidently expect, that the blessed news will 
reach and gladden the coast of Guinea ? May 
the time soon come when those miserable 
shores, where now is heard the lamentable 
cries of separating parents and children, 
doomed to perpetual, merciless slavery, shall 
become vocal with the praises of God ; when 
the peaceful kingdom of Christ shall there be 
established on the ruin of the empire of dark- 
ness. " The call for Missionaries in the Nam- 
aqua country is great." If so, the call for pe- 
cuniary aid must also be great ; and the ne- 
cessity of persevering praj^er, that the Lord 
of the harvest would raise and qualify labor- 
ers for that part of his extensive harvest, must 



143 

be obvious. In this state of affairs, is there 
nothing for American females to do ? They 
hare already been blessed as means of doing 
considerable ; but is there nothing more in 
their power 2 The cent establishment is good ; 
private acts of beneficence are indispensable 
in the christian character ; and it may be that 
many In moderate circumstances do thus use 
all the superfluity of their income. But da 
we make such sacrifices as we ought ? Let us 
reflect on the self-denial and poverty of an- 
cient saints, and above all, on the example of 
1 him, who though he was rich yet for our 
j sakes became poor 5 and shall we not find in 
ourselves many instances of self-indulgence, 
that might be dispensed with, and the ex- 
pense directed to a more benevolent channel, 
1 even the sending of the gospel to the poo^ 
benighted Africans 9 I request your opinio^ 
j upon the plan of forming an Association for 
the purpose of aiding the African Mission. It 
ma}' be stipulated that the sacrifice of a super- 
fluous article of dress, or other unnecessary 
i| expense, may be expected in a matter of such 
i moment. I doubt not but tiie hearts of many 
pious females in the country would be opened, 
and they would rejoice in the opportunity of 
rendering such a service to the cause of 
Christ. — They would esteem it a privilege to 
deny themselves many personal outward orn- 
aments, \f it plight by a divide blessing corn 



144 

tribute for the purpose of sending the gospel 
to our jetty brethren and sisters, whose souls 
are as valuable as our own, and who stand in 
the same perishing need of the robe of Christ's 
righteousness. I must acknowledge that I 
have a strong presumption that something of 
this kind may be done 5 but, as it may be on- 
ly the effect of youthful animation, I shall 
wait till I have the decision of your judgment. 
Your unworthy sister, 

Mary Morton. 



t 



Middleborough, — 1811. 
To Miss B. M. 
Dear Sister, 
Ihftf&read with much interest the little 
pamphlet you handed me, pleased to observ 
the effect of pure religion on the heart, an< 
ashamed that I am no more conformed to an 
example so amiable. The purity and divine 
excellence of the christian religion must be 
more and more perceived, the more closely 
it is examined. Though, by reason of the 
natural darkness of my mind, I have very im- 
perfect discoveries of its glories, yet I am 
constrained to believe them infinite and un- 
speakable. Jesus said to his disciples, " ye 
are the light of the world." And without 
this divine light, the effulgence of the gospe,!, 



145 

*he world would be entirely epveloped in the 
gross darkness of heathenism, a striking ac- 
count of which is given in the late publica- 
tions of Dr. Buchanan, 

You have probably read them, and have 
been led to adore the distinguishing grace of 
God in placing j 7 ou in a gospel land, as well 
as to shudder at the sanguinary delusions of 
heathen nations. Without Bibles, without a 
knowledge of the name of Jesus, millions are 
living in wretchedness, and d3^ing on the fun- 
eral pile, or under the wheels of Hindoo idols. 
What a picture of human nature does this 
consideration present to our?ninds? Can it 
be possible that any will doubt the entire de- 
pravity of the heart, who give themselves 
time to reflect and enquire into the sub- 
ject? 

I am sometime^ led to enquire what may 
be done by a private individual, as a means of 
sending the knowledge of salvation to those, 
who sit in darkness and in the region of the 
shadow of death. Great things are doing, at 
the present day, in this glorjous cause by 
Missionaries, and by the translations of the 
scriptures, Would it not be an un- 
speakable privilege, if we might be allowed 
to assist in a work so divine ? If the humblest 
office were assigned us, it w r ould be an honor 
far beyond our deserts. My dear sister, will 
you give me your ideas on the subject, and 

12* 



146 

point out the way in which you think we 
might be most useful ; — and above all will you 
pra} r that in all things my desire may be sing- 
ly for the glory of God, in the salvation of 
sinners ? Is it rational for us to live in ease, 
and enjoy so rich an abundance of spiritual 
privileges, while millions of our fellow-sin- 
ners are perishing for lack of vision, and at- 
tempt nothing for their relief? Well ma}' all 
the heathen adopt the exclamation of the 
Hottentot christian, " How could christians 
have so much bread and not give poor heath- 
en some before ?" The heathen and the men 
of the world are A reproach to christians by 
their engagedness in their several objects of 
pursuit. Oh that we, and that all the dear 
household of Christ, might be awakened from 
the sleep of indifference, and be roused to 
vigorous, consistent, and holy energy in the 
service of Ijnmanuel ! Much may be done, 
but soon "the night will come, wherein no 
man can work." O that we might by grace 
u redeem the time." When I turn my eyes 
within, I am led to adopt the language of the 
Poet, 

" Fill'd with unbelief and sin, 
Can I deem myself a child," 

The Apostle records this as a faithful saying 
and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ 
came into the world to save sinners, of whom, 
)m adds, I am chief, Cpuld 1 be as hupible as 



147 

the chief of sinners ought to be, could I deny 
myself and live solely for the glory of God, I 
think I should be happy ; but alas ! I am more 
vile, more brutish and ungrateful than any 
one, and cannot do the things which I know 
to be excellent, because of a sinful heart. — - 
Can it be that we shall ever be made perfect- 
ly holy and be prepared to serve a Being of 
infinite perfection without the pollution of 
sin ? The salvation of the gospel is a salva- 
tion from sin; not only frojiv its curse, 
but from its pollution, its power, and its very 
being. This stamps an incalculable yalue up- 
on it, and should lead us to desire it more 
than gold, yea more than much fine gold. 

I often think of N. with affection, and hope 

she will at this early age be made willing to 

occupy Mary's place at the feet of Jesus ; 

that she may be a humble and useful disciple 

Adieu, 

Mary Morton. 

In the following letter, Miss Morton alludes 
to the exercises of the Bedford Female Socie- 
ty. This was an Association formed at New 
Bedford as early as 18Q9. She drew up the 
Constitution. It was confined to professors 
of religion, and to persons of acknowledged 
piety. Their meetings were price a fortnight, 
Their exercises were prayer and reading the 



148 

scriptures. Three times a year the Society 
observed a day of Fasting and prayer. All 
the members in rotation were required to lead 
In the devotional exercises, unless particular- 
ly excused by the Society. Associations like, 
t!iisaie t formed iji many of the New-England 
churches, where the life and power of relig- 
ion is felt; and they have a tendency in an 
eminent degree to promote the spiritual im- 
provement of those who attend them, 

Freetown, — 1812. 

To Miss B. M. 

Dear Sister, 

1 feel with peculiar force your complaints 
of unfitness to engage in any Missionary ser- 
vices on account of unfaithfulness to those 
around you. Surely of all who profess the 
name of Christ I haye the greatest reason to 
be abased before God, and also before my fel- 
low creatures for the same criminal negli- 
gence. Biit if not deceived I do feel an anx- 
ious desir§ that the Heathen may be saved 
from the cruel pollutions of Paganism by the 
"•light of the knowledge of thp glory of God 
in the %e pf Jesu^ Christ." Unworthy as 
we are to be employed in the lowest office in 
so great a work, what can we do but go to the 
aii sufficient Fountain, for spiritual cleansing^ 
V'd pray the gracious Master of the vine- 



149 

yard that he would accept such worms ;— that 
he would inspire our hearts with such desireff 
as he will graciously own and succeed, and 
make us feel our absolute dependence on him 
for all we have, and are, end all we hope to 
become. 1 am waiting for information from 
Mrs. N. on this interesting subject. I think 
she will suggest some method whereby pecu- 
niary assistance may be obtained. But the 
method, sto which you referred, of helping 
th£m. by frequent supplication at the throne 
of^race, is of all others the most important, 
anii 1 may say the most effectual. For all be- 
ings and events are under the absolute con^ 
trot of our heavenly Father. "He doth what* 
soever he pieaseth in the armies of heaven 
and among the inhabitants of the earth." The 
silver and the gold are his. The winds and 
waves are at his command. By the sure word 
of pf ophecy we are encouraged to expect a 
glorious enlargement of Zion by the accession 
of tt|p heathen nations, as well as the restora- 
tion pf the ancient covenant people. It is the 
opinion of those, who are most favored with 
spiritual light and understanding, that we 
now see the dawning of that bright day which 
is predicted. Trusting then in the promises 
of truth, and fully assured of the infinite pow- 
er of thf* gracious Promiser, may we not con- 
fidently trus- :, that thn " light," which has ap- 
peared in the East, will cover the face of the 



160 

whole earth. O may our hearts be purified 
and prepared to glorify God on earth, and 
praise him through eternity in the heavenly 
Jerusalem. 

You exactly express the feelings of my 
mind, my dear sister, with respect to active 
duty in our female meetings, I wished that 
the elder members might feel freedom and 
enlargement in prayer, and that I might be a 
hearer, rather than a speaker; yet I felt it 
a duty to be willing, if there appeared a call 
to it, to open my mouth in prayer. If not 
deceived I have enjoyed a blessing in it; 
though many harrassing suggestions w r ould 
sometimes crowd my mind /—And there is 
none more common or more difficult to over- 
come than that with wjiich you were assault- 
ed — a fear of appearing too assuming. In- 
deed I was so perplexed in that way, that I 
mentioned it to several of the elder sisters in 
a secret manner ; it was their opinion that it 
was a (Jeyice of the adversary to keep me from 
dut3 r ; bijt 1 could never quite overcomp it. 
Perhaps I was too forward and conducted un- 
becomingly to the grief of some dear sistpr. If 
so, may the offence be forgiven by infinite 
mercy. But as it respects the exercises of 
your mind on that subject, my sister, I can- 
not think there would be an appearance of 
the nature you fear. As you observe, we 
are associated for the purpose pjf social prayer, 



151 

wishing to plead the promise, " if two of yon 
shall agree, as touching any thing ye shall 
ask, it shall be done for you/' Each mem- 
ber is, I think, under an obligation to perform 
that duty ; or, I might with more propriety 
say, is allowed the privilege of leading in so- 
cial prayer. Nothing has a greater tendency 
to create and increase a freedom of soul in 
such seasons than that. We have our pecul- 
iar hindrances and difficulties ; and each in- 
dividual sister, Without doubt, has something 
equally powerful which restrains her from 
coming forward^ and thus we can trace the 
backwardness which grieves us to this cause. 
Is it not evidently one of Satan's devices ? It 
would rejoice the hearts of your friends, 
should you find strength for the exercise, and 
it might be a means of opening the mouths of 
others* 

I rejoice to hear that our number is enlarg- 
ed and pray that our zeal, charity, love, and 
every grace may abound to the glory of God. 
I think it would be desirable that almost the 
the whole time should be spent in supplica- 
tion, and that every sister would in her turn 
present the united petitions of the whole. — • 
I doubt not it would with a divine blessing 
exceedingly increase the sweet unity of soul 
which Christ's disciples ought ever to feel. — 
Without his presence, and the invigoratirjg* 
influence of the heavenly Comforter our 



152 

meetings fnust be unsatisfying to our souls* 
We may have the form of devotion, but it 
will be without life* May you be directed 
"by the holy Spirit into all truth, and may 
every duty be made plain, and every cross 
easy to be borne. 

Yours with sincere affection, 

Mary Morton* 



Kew-Bedford, — 1&12, 

ToMissL.F, 

I was much gratified, my dear Louisa, 
by your account of the little society for as- 
sisting the Missionary cause/ I approve of 
the plan of ■ converting- the fruits of female 
industry to a purpose so noble. You did not, 
I think, mention Whether you unite in prayer 
for a blessing on your labours 5 but since 
some of the number are professed members of 
Christ, I trust you do. You will realize that 
nothing useful can be done without the spec- 
ial blessing of God, and for this he will be en- 
quired of* Probably you have one to read 
while the others are employed in labor. — 
Would not some well selected books, in which 
the distinguishing doctrines of the cross are 
explained and exemplified, be peculiarly use- 
ful^ to the members of the societj', whether 
they, are professors' or not. Those, who are 



153 

laboring for the means of sending the gospel 
to the heathen, which they have not them- 

5 selves embraced, will, I hope, be led by it to 
a conviction of their own lost estate. Why 

? are we anxious to send the tidings of salvation 
to the dark abodes of paganism ? Is it because 
the human race are inevitably and eternally 
lost without it ? Then we are in the same con- 
demnation, unless we have received the Lord 
Jesus Christ, and must also perish with an 
unspeakable accumulation of guilt ; for they 
may rise up in judgment and condemn many 
who have lived in christian lands. Still the 
prayer of faith, which none but the new born 
soul can offer, would be more successful, than 
the unsanctified labors of thousands. God 
can and does,in his sovereign pleasure,employ 
many to help his cause, who have no part 

1 nor lot with his people. In this way they 

5 are made useful, and they will u have their 

Ere ward ;" but not that gracious reward of eter- 
nal life, which is prepared for the followers 
of the Lamb. I believe there is an universal 
(degree of concern for the heathen awakened 
j in the hearts of all christians throughout the 
country, and many who do not profess to 
know Christ, have been led to contribute lib- 
erally to furnish the means of sending the 
gospel abroad through the earth. Must we 
not with admiration adopt the language of the 
" man after God's own heart," " what are we 

13 



154 

that we should be able to offer so willingly 
after this sort." He did not panegyrize the 
liberality of his people, but blessed the Lord 
and gave him the praise, not only for the 
means of offering for the building of the tem- 
ple, but also for the disposition* An example 
highly worthy our imitation. Such senti- 
ments are calculated to prevent self compla- 
cency, and promote real gratitude to God. 
What are we that we are blesse ■:. with the full 
sunshine of gospel light and privileges, and 
not only made able but willing to do a little 
to assist in sending the same rich blessings to 
our perishing fellow sinners ? Why rather are 
we not writhing under the huge car of Jug- 
gernaut, or ascending the funeral pile ? Why 
are we not with Dives vainly soliciting a drop 
of water ? The infinite grace of God alone 
prevents, and by that we are what we are. — 
Let us then lie abased before him, that we do 
so little, and be stirred up to more vigorous 
and self-denying exertions. Mrs. N. wrote a 
short time since, and observed that she had 
suggested the idea to her female friends, 
whether it would not be becoming the disci- 
ples of Jesus to appropriate the expense of 
golden ornaments and other superfluities in 
dress, to the support of Missionaries ; and in 
that way they might better conform to the 
apostolic direction for the female wardrobe, 
"adorning themselves in modest apparel, — not 






155 



with broidered hair, or gold or pearls or cost- 
ly array, but with good works." Were this 
inspired precept generally complied with, 
how much more lovely would the members of 
Christ's church appear, and what a sum might 
be saved for benevolent purposes. May the 
Lord bless and prosper your society and es- 
pecially her whose heart was prepared to in- 
troduce and to promote it. May he gra- 
ciously make each of you a fruitful branch of 
the True Vine, and may the blessing of many 
ready to perish come upon you. 

With affection yours, &c, 

Mary Morton* 

In the year 1812 the subject of these me- 
moirs was connected in marriage with the 
Rev. Elijah Dexter, of Plympton. A person 
of her pious disposition, devoted to the cause 
of God; unambitious of worldly distinction 
or of affluence, would naturally choose the 
situation of a clergyman's wife. It was a sit- 
uation for which she was eminently qualified. 
Dignified in her manners, she always comman- 
ded respect. Affable in her address, and un- 
commonly amiable in her temper, she was cal- 
culated to exert more than ordinary influence 
in society. And her influence was always sa- 
cred to the cause of godliness. She was a 
crown to her husband, and a blessing to the 
parish. 



156 

In her Diary she notices her marriage with 
appropriate and pious reflexions By this it 
appears that she acknowledged God in all her 
ways, and humbly sought divine direction 
and blessing. In her marriage she enjoyed 
as much happiness as ordinarily falls to the 
lot of humanity. 

When she took leave of her parents, and 
removed to Plympton, she wrote the follow- 
ing letter, which is an interesting specimen 
of filial piety. When those to whom this let- 
ter was addressed shall cast their eyes upon 
it in this collection, they will perhaps peruse 
it with tears of gratitude, that they were once 
blessed with such a daughter; and with emo? 
tions of the deepest sorrow too, that the hand 
which wrote it is now in the grave. 

Freetown,— 1812. 
My very dear Father and Mother, 
Under God I owe to you my existence and 
the innumerable blessings, with which I have 
been surrounded for more than twenty-seven 
years. Your tenderness watched over and 
protected my helpless infancy, and your care 
supplied the wants of childhood and youth. 
You have been unwearied in endeavours for 
my good, and by a divine blessing on the 
means you have used, I have succeeded thus 
far in life. I cannot leave you without at- 
tempting to express my feelings; — but the 



157 

language of the lips is denied me. My 
tongue cannot utter the emotions of my full 
heart. I beg you to accept my humble ac- 
knowledgement for all the perverseness and 
obstinacy of childhood, and the innumer- 
able sins of my youth. O forgive every in- 
stance of ingratitude, and bury in oblivion 
every word or action, which has been stained 
with unkindness, I am pained with the re^ 
Collection of my ungrateful returns for such 
exceeding kindness, as you have shown me. 
If not deceived I have endeavored to avoid 
intentional disobedience ; but alas ! how far 
have I been from that filial duty, which the 
holy law of God requires. Entreat for me 
that his pardon may be sealed to my soul by 
the precious blood of atonement. Accept the 
unfeigned gratitude of my heart for your 
unnumbered, continual, and unabating kind- 
nesses. It is all I have to return. I never, 
never shall repay. But the Lord is able to 
reward you. I attempt to look to him for 
his blessing on your declining years, and for 
the never failing supports of his grace. May 
your last days be the most happy of your 
lives, and your path that of the just, which 
shineth brighter and brighter till the perfect 
day. 

I now leave you to act in another sphere, 
where Providence appears to direct; and^ 
though I leave you in declining health an4 

13* 



158 

years, I hope you will never fail to receve 
necessary tenderness and attention. The 
thought of leaving you is indeed painful; but 
I hope I have not violated my duty to you in 
forming my present connexion. 1 trust you 
do not object to the friend of my choice. I 
have not knowingly contradicted your wish- 
es; and I earnestly desire never to be a 
means of embittering a momont of your re- 
maining days. 'Tis a pleasing circumstance 
that I am not to be removed far from you at 
present, unless it should be by death. But in 
earthly things there is no continuance, there- 
fore we should ever feel as pilgrims continu- 
ally journeying towards another country. If 
the Lotd will, I hope to see you frequently 
while we continue in this mutable world. — ■ 
May we all be prepared by the abounding 
grace of God in Christ Jesus to meet in an- 
other world at the right hand of our Judge to 
spend an eternity in his service. 

When you need any thing in my power to 
afford, call on me with freedom, remembering 
that I am stil} your child, and should esteem it 
a privilege to be a means of adding any thing 
to your comfort, to make any returns for the 
vast debt of gratitude I owe yoiu 

O may the grace of the Lord Jesus be 
abundantly poured out upon you. — May his 
presence give you comfort in life., triumph in 



159 



death, and consummate your blessedness in 
his heavenly kingdom. 

Your affectionate daughter, 

Mary Morton, 



The following account of the revival in 
Plympton in 1812 is here inserted from one 
of Mrs. Dexter's Letters for the sake of bring- 
ing to the recollection of the present mem- 
bers of the Church in that place the spiritual 
blessings they have enjoyed in years that are 
past. Perhaps some who read this account 
jnay be induced to exclaim in view of their 
present state, how has the gold become dim, 
how is the most fine gold changed ! 

Plympton,— 1813, 
To Miss L. F. 
In my present place of residence, my dear 
£***** 5 th e wonders of redeeming love have 
been manifested the season past, and the love- 
ly fruits are still apparent, and I trust will re-? 
jnain, and will be recognized in the day 
when the Lord shall make up his jewels.— 
About sixty persons it is hoped have joined 
pn the Lord's side. A considerable number 
of the dear youth were subjects of the w r ork« 
I have heard them at different times relate 
before the churchy what they trusted had 
been done for their souls, and their names $re 



160 

now given in to be the Lord's. Young ladies, 
whoa few months ago were first in attending 
to the calls of fashion and youthful folly, are 
now as I trust turned from vanity to the liv* 
ing God ; appear to be mainly anxious to ap- 
prove themselves unto him, and to be adorn- 
ed with a meek and quiet spirit. It was in- 
teresting to hear them relate the work of the 
Holy Spirit on their hearts ;— how they were 
brought to see their danger, to feel the amaz- 
ing enmity, opposition, and vileness of their 
hearts ; their entire helplessness and depen* 
dence on Jesus alone, not only for pardon, but 
for a disposition to receive it ; and to feel 
their obdurate wills sweetly bowed, their load 
of guilt removed and their souls filled with 
heavenly peace. They now find unspeaka- 
bly purer pleasure in attending the means of 
grace and gospel blessings, than this world 
could possibly afford. If it were right to in- 
dulge such a thought, I could wish that my 
dear L***** might have been present on 
some occasions to see and hear the mighty 
wonders which the grace of Jesus can per- 
form. 

How succeeds your little Missionary Soci- 
ety? Are the young in W. apparently seek- 
ing an interest in Jesus, or decorating and ac-> 
complishing the clay-formed casket, which 
contains the inestimable jewel, for which the 
whole world should be given in exchange ? 



161 

O when shall we be wise to give our heart; 
to God, and live as becomes immortal bemgo* 
Your friend, 

Mary Dexter. 



If any, who read the following letter, are 
disposed to think that the writer accuses her- 
self with too much severity, and that the 
scripture quotations with the application are 
pot always made with good taste, they may 
be reminded, that they had better turn chris- 
tian, than critics ; and consider, whether the 
quotations are not descriptive of themselves, 
This letter was apparently written on the 
day of the monthly concert. 

Plympton, — 1813. 
To Miss B, M. 
Dear Sister, 
I have hardly dared of late to indulge my- 
self freely in thinking of my New Bedford 
friends, lest I should feel a sinful impatience 
to see them. But 1 must not omit a favora- 
ble opportunity of writing, tho' I can by no 
means discharge the pleasing obligation which 
your last favor conferred. On this day mul- 
titudes, as we hope, of the daughters of Zioq 
have assembled in different places to address 
their Savior and King, to eritreat that he 



162 

would appear in his glory and multiply her 
converts as drops of morning dew ; that he 
would " strengthen her stakes and lengthen 
her cords," and let his own comeliness be put 
upon her. May their united prayers ascend 
as holy incense acceptable before God, and a 
gracious answer be vouchsafed. The object 
of the social prayer-meetings of this day, is 
peculiarly interesting, and calculated, perhaps 
more than any other, to engage the benevo- 
lent affections of the soul. I hope that all 
our sister Societies in this land will cordially 
and earnestly unite in this attempt to pro- 
mote the glory of Zion's King. Ought we 
not to say of the dear Society whieh first pro- 
posed the plan, " Blessed be thou of the Lord 
and blessed be thine advice." 1 hope my be- 
loved sisters in New Bedford have enjoyed a 
good season ; — have been fovored with fresh 
discoveries of the glory of Christ's spiritual 
kingdom, and have been allowed near access 
to the throne of grace to plead with holy 
boldness for its enlargement. O that 1 could 
see, that I could feel as a believer ought, the 
momentous realities, the unspeakable glories 
of eternity. My dear B*****, are you ena- 
bled to live daily with a realizing sense of 
God and eternity ? If you are, I entreat you 
will pray very earnestly for the unworthy 
guilty dust, who now addresses you. 

You have probably heard that I have late- 



163 

ly been visited with sickness^ and have ex- 
perienced restoring mercy* The Lord brought 
me into danger, but did not give me over to 
death. He graciously blessed the means used 
for my recovery, and I was healed ; and now 
surely I ought to feel " what shall I render 
unto the Lord for all his benefits ?" I was 
scarcely, if at all, sensible of my danger, till 
my disorder began to yield to the power of 
medicine. When God gives efficacy to medi- 
cine, the most obstinate disorder must im- 
mediately give way. Perhaps I had never 
before so great reason to admire and adore 
the exceedingly kind providence of God. — 
Truly I have reason to say emphatically " he 
hath done all things well." With propriety 
may he look for suitable returns of gratitude 
and lively praise, for the entire devotedness 
of every power and faculty to his service ; 
but alas, this is not to be found. I am un- 
speakably ungrateful. " Earthly, carnal, sen- 
sual, devilish," may be written on my heart. 
Such a heart as mine can never be prepared 
for heaven, but by the abounding grace of an 
all-sufficient Savior. It must be sovereign 
grace. It must be because the Lord has mercy 
on whom he will have mercy. 

There will be a time when " the loftiness 
of man shall be bowed down, and the haughti- 
ness of men shall be made low ; and the Lord 
alone shall be exalted in that day." God 



164 

shall have the glory which is his due, and 
none shall dare exalt himself against the Most 
High. Is not the time drawing near, when 
Jesus shall take to himself his great power 
and reign till all shall be subjected unto him? 
It will be a joy ful day to those who love hisf 
appearing, but a day of fearful vengeance to 
all his enemies. Why do we not think more 
of the solemn season so plainly predicted by 
the prophets, when the kingdom shall be giv- 
en to the saints of the Most High, and when 
Jesus the mighty Conqueror^ shall destroy 
those who fight against mount Zion? Surely 
the day will come and even draweth near. — 
Was there ever a time when it was more ne* 
cessary for christians to be active? Events 
deeply interesting to the church are almost 
every day unfolding, and we know not what 
will be on the morrow. Sometimes when a 
little aroused to a sense of myself, I am filled 
with astonishment at my amazing stupidity; 
that I can be so insensible, when every thing 
is calling on me to "work while the day lasts, 
because the night cometh in w r hich no man 
can work." 

Your mvworthy friend, 

Mary Dexter. 



165 

The following reflexions upon Milnert 
Church History deserve attention. They 
discover Mrs. Dexter's talent in making ob- 
servations upon books, and her habit of con- 
verting what she read to her spiritual 
improvement. In a letter to a friend she 
observes. 

Plympton, — 1814. 
To Miss B. M. 
Dear Sister, 
By the indulgence of a friend we have been 
favored with the perusal of "Milner's Church 
History*" 1 am exceedingly delighted with 
it. Shame and confusion of face almost over- 
whelm me, when reading of the fervent love, 
the holy zeal, the patient endurance of per- 
secution and death, which the christians of the 
first century exhibited. Can it be that I 
have ever received the least spark of the same 
blessed spirit, when I am so entirely unlike 
them. Yet, if not deceived, my heart re- 
joices, that the religion of Christ has produc- 
ed such unspeakably glorious fruit. Yes, it 
shall be seen, thou meek and lowly, yet high- 
ly exalted and glorious Savior, that thy death 
and sufferings, thine assension and interces- 
sion, have opened the way for the pardon 
and sanctification of the vilest slave of Satan. 
But language fails to describe the greatness of 
the salvation of the gospel. The joy is un~ 



I 



166 

speakable and full of glory, even an eternal 
weight of glory* I was struck with the force 
and propriety of one short expression of the 
pious Milner. " To believe, to suffer, to love, 
and not to write, was the primitive taste." I " 
I may be allowed to hazard an opinion, I 
should say, that to read, write, and speculate, 
rather than to believe, suffer, and love, has 
been the modern taste. But doubtless the 
same love, which in times of persecution 
leads to a cheerful suffering of death, will, in 
times of toleration, induce a zealous use of the 
pen for the benefit of the church. The Lord 
has wisdom to use his people in a way to pro- 
mote his own glory in the most effectual man- 
ner. tfr I have set my King upon "my holy 
hill of Zion." — He is crowned Lord of all and 
he shall reign till all enemies are subdued un- 
der his feet. O may we not be found ainong 
the enemies of his Cross, to be burned with 
unquenchable fire. 

Your very unworthy sister, 

Marv Dexter. 



Plympton, — 1815. 

To Mrs. N. N. 

After the lapse of nearly half a year, lam 
seated to acknowledge the receipt of my dear 
sister's letter. Certainly if I am not much 



167 

deceived in myself, it is not because my af- 
fection for my friends decreases, that I have 
become so dilatory in writing ; but .because it 
has pleased God to confine my hands to the 
care of a young immortal, whose little actions 
seem to say " mama, I have the best claim to 
your constant attention," It was some time 
after the birth of my son before my health 

i was re-established, but I have since enjoyed 
unusually good health. O help me to praise 
the name of the Lord for his loving kindness 
and tender mercy. O pray for me that I 

| may be in a measure faithful in this new rela- 
tion in which his providence has called me - 

i to act. The care of a soul is an awfully sol- 
emn trust. How responsible a station is that 
of a parent ; and yet I am thoughtless and 
indifferent. 

O that I had a heart to be truly grateful to 
God for his goodness in raising you and your 
son from the borders of the grave. It was dis- 
tinguishing mercy, for you observed that oth- 

! ers around you were cut down. Your reflexion 

' that you are raised for some special purpose, 
is undoubtedly correct ; for had your work 

! been then done, millions of angels could not 
have saved you from death. God's purpose 
concerning your earthly existence was not 
complete. I trust he has a great deal of good 

| to do by you before you shall be removed to 
the church triumphant. There was a "needs 



168 

be" for your suffering an affliction so severe. 
Every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth, 
that it may bring forth more fruit. I hope 
you are a bearing branch of that Vine, of 
which the Father is the husbandman : and he 
cannot mistake in his method of culture. The 
promise is infallible that all things shall "work 
together for good to them that love him and 
are the called according to his purpose." — 
Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised. 
All his works are righteous and his ways are 
past finding out. 

Does the flame of Missionary zeal burn as 
brightly now as it has formerly done, or do 
national calamities, and the delays which our 
dear missionaries have experienced, serve to 
depress it ? For my own part, I must say that 
the divine dealings with them have convinc- 
ed me more than ever, that they are to be 
used in doing a great work. Their trials, 
which have been severe, are evidently pre- 
paratory to the more successful prosecution 
of their mission. How gloriously the grace of 
Christ shines in them, while they are passing 
thro' the furnace? Have we not evidence to 
convince us that God has been with them of 
a truth, and has given them favor in the sight 
of those in authority; and has furnished them 
with a mouth and wisdom which none of their 
adversaries have been able to resist. Ameri- 
can christians must not cea^e to contiibute for 



building the Temple in heathen lands on ac- 
count of the pressure of national calamities. 
They may not be able to do so much. But 
in the present season of fluctuation in busi- 
ness, and of speculation, the treasury of the 
Lord seems to be the only place of security 
for wealth. 

We thank you for your friendly invitation 
to visit you. Such an excursion would be 
very gratifying; but in the present state of 
our family it would be quite impracticable. 
Permit us to reciprocate the same wish. — 
Mrs. L., the sister whose name you have 
mentioned to me in your letters, has friends 
residing in this region, whom she occasional- 
ly visits. How happy I should be if you 
would accompany her, and make our house 
the principal place of your visit. My re- 
membrance to your daughter, and to Mrs. G. 
Yours affectionately, 

Mary Dexter. 



Freetown, — 1815. 
To Miss B. M. 

My dear sister perceives that I make very 
poor returns for her kindness in writing to 
me. But I shall commend myself to her for- 
giving disposition without taking time for a 
lengthy apologv. 1 have not long since re«* 

14* 



170 

eeived from the hands of God a precious 
treasure ; a lovely, promising son ; and have 
the care of an .immortal soul committed to 
my trust. " What shall I render to my God 
for all his kindness ?" How shall I discharge 
the important duties devolved on me? We 
have publicly, and I hope sincerely and un- 
reservedly, dedicated our infant charge to 
him from whom we received him. O that it 
may please the good Shepherd to receive hirq 
as a lamb into his arms — to make him truly 
one of his own, prepared to promote his 
glory. 

Have you not, my dear sister, been exceed- 
ingly refreshed by the last report of the 
American Board of Commissioners ? Our dear 
missionary brethren and sisters have been 
severely tried; and how wonderfully ^ e 
wisdom and grace of God are displayed i n ft. 
How wonderfully they have been furnished 
with wisdom, prudence and courage to act as 

becometh the ministers of Jesus Christ. 

These trials will more fully establish their 
characters — make them more extensively 
known and excite the greater interest in their 
favor. 

I am extremely short-sighted. When they 
were obliged by the Bengal government to 
leave Calcutta without a prospect of effect- 
ing the first object of their benevolent design, 
I had fears that the American churches might 



171 

pot be permitted to share in the blessed priv? 
iiege of sending the gospel to the heathen* 
But I am now convinced that God will con^ 
descend to accept the service at our hands. — 
He well knows our infinite unworthiness of 
so great a blessing ; but I think his providen- 
tial dealings with our dear brethren in the 
East carry full conviction, that they are de- 
signed as instruments of great good to the per- 
ishing idolaters of India, The serious diffi- 
culties which the war between this country 
and England occasioned, will now be remove 
pd, never, I hope, to return. Does not the 
heart of my dear sister glow with lively grat- 
iitude to the Author of every gift, that we 
are allowed again to enjoy the sweets of na- 
tional peace ? O let us magnify the Lord and 
exalt his name together for this unexpected* 
undeserved favor. My foreboding mind was 
looking forward with dread to the bloody 
scenes of another campaign, and could see no 
prospect of returning peace; when, behold, 
the olive branch again visits our shore. Is 
there now any thing to prevent the perfect 
union and co-operation of christians in Eng- 
land and America in the great work of send- 
ing the gospel to every creature under heav- 
en ? Doubtless it was in answer to the prayers 
of God's people on both sides the Atlantic, 
that we were blessed with returning peace. I 
-jgnow of no obstruction now to prevent Amer- 



172 

ican christians from gratifying the most ex- 
tensive benevolence of their hearts. The 
whole world is before them 5 a large majority 
of its inhabitants are destitute of the " Words 
of eternal life," and Christ has commanded 
that the gospel should be preached to every 
creature. Blessed be his name that he is 
raising up some from among our brethren and 
sisters, and filling their souls with a holy 
zeal to fulfill this benevolent command. Shall 
we now sit down in criminal supineness, 
while others are entering into the fields al- 
ready whitened for the harvest ? Oh no, it 
shall not be so; for the same Spirit, which is 
influencing the hearts of European christians 
to forsake all to proclaim the name of Jesus 
in heathen lands, and has called some of our 
dear brothers and sisters to the same self-de- 
nying work, will still operate, and many more 
shall be prepared and sent forth. 

How greatly should I rejoice to see you., 
my dear sister. I should rejoice if Provi- 
dence should lead you to visit Plympton. — 
May it not yet be so? I will still hope it may, 
and while we are separate I will solicit a fre- 
quency of. letters. Kindly remember me to 
dear Bedford friends, particularly to Mrs. IL 
and daughter ; and every dear sister in the 
female meeting. 

Have yon, my dear sister, ever seen Kich- 
jRrer's account of his mission in the South of 



173 

Africa ? I have recently sent to Bostoh, but 
could not obtain it. It is a most affecting 
and interesting little pamphlet, particularly 
the conversation of the three converted Hot- 
tentots, who accompanied him to England, 
with the Missionary Society. If you have 
ever seen it I presume it was as a feast of fat 
things to your soul. 

Your unworthy, affectionate sister, 

Mary Dexter. 



Plympton,— 1816. 
To Miss B. M. 
Dear Sister, 
Your acquaintance with me, my dear sis- 
ter, must have led you to observe that sloth- 
fulness is a sin which easily besets me. Its 
influence is most pernicious in spiritual con- 
cerns ; but extends to all the actions of my 
life. Were it not for this, I might have much 
time to devote to reading, and often enjoy 
the privilege of writing to my dear corres- 
pondents. But it is now very seldom the 
case that I can command an hour free from 
company or some necessary domestic duty. 
I hope I may never be suffered to repine, 
that God has required active duties. It is 
| certainly proper that we should "labor, work- 
| ing with our hands ;" not to amass riches, or 



174 

gratify a worldly spirit, but that we may have 
to give to him that needeth. I find much 
reason to be dissatisfied with myself that I do 
so little; and that little, with a temper of 
heart so improper. Would it not be pleasant 
to labor, could we do it with a desire to " re- 
deem the time," and do something for God ? 
How much I should rejoice to welcome 
my dear sister in P. ; to introduce you to 
some of our dear brothers and sisters, whose 
real, christian excellence ought highly to be 
valued, though unattended with those accom- 
plishments which a deceitful world calls en- 
gaging. My husband would also be much 
gratified with a visit from you, and I would 
teach my prattling babe to love a friend so 
dear to his mama. To us he is quite an in- 
teresting child ; but alas, he is an enemy to 
God, and 1 am not suitably affected with the 
melancholly truth. O that it may please 
God to spare him, and prepare him for some 
humble employment in the vineyard of the 
Lord. 

I hope for an opportunity of conveying 
this and several other worthless letters by 
Mr. H****. My dear sister will prize 
the blessing she enjoys of sitting under his 
ministry. Is it not very evident that he is 
remarkably assisted and blessed of the Lord ? 
While he is enabled to commend himself to 
every man^s conscience in the sight of God, 
his labor will not be in vain in the Lord* 






175 

1 feel a pleasing confidence that that little 
church to which you belong is established on 
theRock of ages, and that no weapon formed 
against her shall prosper. Amidst surround- 
ing mists of error, she is established to dis- 
play the light of truth, like a city set on a 
hill which cannot be hid. O may every 
member be enabled to walk as a child of light. 
Perhaps there are but few christians placed 
in circumstances so favorable for doing good, 
as those in your church. Their temper and 
conduct, as far as can be seen by mortal eyes. 
are very much observed, and if agreable to 
the gospel, will have a great effect. It is a 
very happy thing when christians are ena- 
bled by well-doing to put to silence the ignor- 
ance of foolish men. O may it never be 
found that the advocates for free-will in any of 
its modifications, excel the professors of evan^ 
gelical principles, in the practice of holiness. 
O may that dear church, for which I still feel 
a peculiar regard, produce many brothers of 
like spirit with Brainerd, Newell, &c; and 
sisters, whose piety and missionary zeal shall 
equal those dear female worthies, whose lives 
are published for an example to us. 

I cannot give a very flattering answer to 
your kind enquiry respecting our female 
meeting. The members of the meeting are 
considerably numerous, yet our meetings are 
generally very small. I trust however that 



176 

we find it good to meet, even if there are but 
"two or three." I long for the privilege of 
meeting with you once more at New Bedford, 
Has our friend H. P. joined the female meet- 
ing ? Has she yet been disposed to profess 
Christ before the world ? I hope she may be 
made an eminent example of the power of di- 
vine grace. Remember me to her if you 
please. Has my dear young friend, Miss A., 
been made willing to receive eternal life 
through Jesus Christ ? My love to her and 
other friends. — Respectful regard to your 
father. 

Your affectionate sister, 

Mary Dexter. 



Plympton, — 1816* 

To Miss H. P. 

Has God preserved my dear sister H***** 
from the ravages of pestilence ? If you had 
been called to join the congregation of the 
dead, surely some kind friend would have in- 
formed me of the affecting event. I shall 
therefore address you as still an inhabitant of 
this dying world. How much longer it may 
thus be said of us, Cod only knows. Our 
times are in his hands. The bounds of our 
habitation are fixed, and beyond them we 
cannot pass. Our work is appointed, and 



177 

must be completed, before we drop the body* 
But when the time of our departure arrives, 
"an angel's arm can't snatch us from the 
grave," or give us power to live a moment 
longer. The prevalence of disease and death 
is calculated to make us realize that we too 
must die and enter the world of spirits. I 
hope my very dear sister is enabled to feel, 
that she is but a pilgrim here, and that the 
time is short ; that she must do quickty, what 
is to be done. Alas, it is not so with me* 
For a short time, while those on every side 
are sickening and dying, I seem to feel in 
some measure the uncertainty and brevi- 
ty of my own life ; but quickly forget the sol- 
emn truth, and live as if this world were my 
home. O for an abiding, lively sense of the 
vanity of the world and the amazing weight 
of eternal realities. Such a sense would reg* 
ulate our affections properly, and prevent an 
inordinate attachment to created good. 

The dear delights of friendship can be but 
momentary in this world; and, were it not 
for the anticipation of their continuance be- 
yond the grave, would not be of much value. 
• But when we consider the nature, foundation, 
and duration of christian friendship, we per- 
ceive a value ifr it, far beyond any mere earth- 
ly comfort. Those who are united to Jesus, 
and to each other by the indissoluble bond 
of holy love, will experience only a short 



178 

interruption at death; and will again be uni 
ted in another, better world; and their joys 
will be sealed with the stamp of eternity. 

Is the strong affection which has existed 
between us ever since our first acquaintance 
of this exalted, holy kind? As it respects my- 
self, I dare not answer confidently that it is. 
Yet at some times,I have a hope that we shall 
be made meet, by the almighty arm of grace, 
to unite forever in the blessed employments 
of those, who are washed and made white in 
the blood of the Lamb. With shame and 
blushing I must confess that my general de* 
poitrhent and feelings of heart are entirely 
inconsistent with such a hope. Jesus saves 
his people from their sins ; and, if I am one 
of his people, why am I not delivered from 
sin ? 

A few months since there were with us 
some hopeful appearances of a revival. Sev- 
eral were alarmed, some of whom obtained 
hopes, and give striking evidence, that they 
have passed from death to life. Others re- 
turned to a state of carelessness. At pres- 
ent there is no general attention to religion, 
though I hope there are a few individuals, 
who feel that they are in an evil case. Death 
has lately been commissioned to remove our 
acquaintances in quick succession into the 
eternal world. Many are clad in the gar- 
ments of mourning, and I have a hope that 



179 

God will sanctify his dealings to the living, 
and make them feel the necessity of immedi- 
ate preparation for death. Do my dear 
\ Hannah, visit us soon. How very much I 
long to see you. May God bless you and 
keep you, and show you much of his glory. 
Your unworthy sister, 

Mary Morton. 



The following extract from a letter to her 
I friend in Hollowell is in her usual spirit,when- 
j ever she descants upon the subject of Missions. 

Plympton, — 1817. 
To Mrs. N. N. 
You see, my dear sister, how much I have 
written, and have not yet adverted to the as- 
tonishing displays of divine power and grace 
with which the earth is illumined. O how I 
| should rejoice to converse with y on on the 
| pleasing theme. In imagination we would 
make the tour of the world, calling at the dif- 
ferent Missionary stations, and learning how 
! the Lord is making bare his arm for the salva- 
tion of the heathen — from the frozen climes 
of Iceland and Russia to the burning plains of 
Africa and Asia. Among the millions of idol? 
aters we should discover the glorious light of 
truth beaming with heavenly radiance from 
the different missionary stations. But 



180 

the subject is absolutely boundless. You 
doubtless have access to the various periodic- 
al works whose object it is to diffuse light and 
information respecting the various triumphs 
of Zion's King. I am ashamed that I feel so 
little and do so little at this blessed day, when 
God is evidently rising in his glory to build 
up Zion. 

I have scarcely ever been more interested 
by any providential circumstance of the like 
nature, than in the case of the little captive 
Osage Indian, and the price of her redemp- 
tion being offered. Has my friend, Mrs. G., 
yet enlisted under the Captain of our salva- 
tion ? Has your amiable daughter given her 
heart, her all to Jesus, and taken him for her 
everlasting portion ? Remember me to them 
if you please, and say the "time is short when 
they who are righteous will be righteous 
still." 

With affection yours, 

Mary Dexter. 



Freetown, — 1813. 
To Mrs. F. C. 
My dear and highly valued friends, I have 
for some time been hoping that Providence 
might open some door for Mr. Dexter or my- 
self to visit you ; but as 1 ^ee no present pros* 



1 81 

pect of it I have recourse to the pen. We 
truly sympathize with you in all the chastise- 
ments of our heavenly Father's hand. We 
too have been called to taste the cup of sor- 
row. I deserve to drink the very dregs, and 
to lie down in hopeless, everlasting woe. 
Yet God is graciously bestowing innumerable 
mercies, and we are living witnesses for him 5 
that he is good to the eviLand unthankful. — 
In October last we were called to bury anoth- 
er infant son. God has loaned us three. Two 
are already removed, but the first born is still 
spared. His ways are righteous, holy, just, 
and good. May r we learn wisdom hy every 
chastisement of his gracious hand. 

May it not be said of every individual be? 
liever, "I have chosen you in the furnace of af- 
fliction V Had I sufficient evidence that I be- 
long to the family of Christ, I think these 
things would not much move me ; but to have 
a heart so little affected with the glories of 
the divine character and government. — to be 
so little engaged in the astonishing displays of 
divine grace, with which the world is filled— - 
surely that is cause of grief ; that is sufficient 
to overwhelm with conscious guilt and shame. 

1 have no doubt but you rejoice and praise 
God for the wonders which he is doing by the 
instrumentality of the missionaries of the 
cross. God is evidently now saying to the 
porth, give up ; and to the south, keep not 

15* ■ 



182 

back; bring my sons from far, and my daugh? 
ters from the ends of the earth. Ethiopia is 
stretching out her hands unto God ; the isles 
are waiting for his law. Some heathen na- 
tions are burning their idols, and are crying 
to the zealous missionary, "Come and teach 
us the knowledge of the true God." Even on 
poor benighted Burmah, and the immense 
population of China, is the light of divine 
{ruth beginning to dawn. Christ is beginning 
to take to himself his great power, and to reign 
over those who have long satin the darkness 
of paganism. The heathen are his inheri- 
tance and the utterpiost parts of the earth 
shall be his possession. 

I have recently heard that you are enjoy- 
ing a shower of divine grace. O may it con- 
tinue and increase, till a very great army 
shall be raised up for the service of Imman- 
uel our King. Were I amon^ the number of 
the true and faithful; could I be concerned for 
the glory of God and the salvation of souls,and 
yet so much swallowed up in my own little 
wants and woes ? I think I do sincerely re- 
joice when I hear of revivals of religion ; 
but alas,my heart, if at all engaged, is not suf- 
ficiently engrossed in the all-important con- 
cern. 

As it respects us in P. we have abundant 
caiise for " lamentation, mourning, and woe. n 
Iniquity abounds and the love of many waxes 



183 

h cold. I fear we have provoked the blessed 
Spirit to withdraw and leave us to barrenness 
and desolation. I sometimes feel almost en* 
tircly discouraged. But I trust there are at 
least a few who sigh and cry for the abomina- 
tions which prevail ; and 1 have some hope 
that we shall witness the fulfilment of this 
scripture, " When the enemy shall come in 
like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall 
lift up a standard against him.' 5 do remen> 
ber us and let our church have a deep share 
in your petitions. In the place from which I 
write, hateful errors abound, and have appar-* 
ently almost choked the seed of divine truth. 
There are but very few, who hold the faith 
pnce delivered to the saints. I wish some 
Missionary society would compassionate this 
dessolate spot. Should a missionary of the 
right stamp be sent to labor here, much good 
might be done, and some souls now lost in the 
maze of error might be brought into the light 
jind liberty of the gospeh 

I take the liberty to addres this^ letter to 
you all, rather than to write three separate 
letters. May the peace of God which passes 
all understanding fiH your hearts? Mr. D ? 
wishes a remembrance. 

Your unworthy sister, 

Mary Dexter* 



184 
Plympton, — 1818. 
To Miss B. M. 
My very dear Sister ? 

If the worthlessness of my letters might be 
considered a sufficient apology for my long 
silence, 1 should need no other. But when 1 
observe by my memorandum that it is more 
than twelve months since 1 have written to 
one of the dearest of my friends, I can but 
reproach myself as guilty of ungrateful neg- 
lect. I think, if I am not deceived, that I have 
often experienced a peculiar blessing in the 
perusal .of your letters. They are a precious 
cordial, the excellencies of which I cannot 
well describe. This expression of my feel- 
ing will, I fear, seem like flattery ; but noth- 
ing is farther from my intention. 

{ haye heard of the wonders of a wonder- 
working God in the region about you ; and 
even among your own society. Contrast- 
ing the situation of N. B. and the towns 
on each side of it, with what it was some 
fifteen or twenty years ago, some conception 
may be obtained of the astonishing displays 
of sovereign grace. Surely it is a place high- 
ly favored of the Lord. May each of his 
children there be enabled to render to him 
according to benefits received. From a 
Vineytfld so highly cultivated, much fruit 
pay be reasonably expected ; and 1 doubt 



1$5 

not but a rich revenae of praise arises from 
that favored spot, perfumed with much in- 
cense. 

No doubt your heart has been cheered and 
exhilarated by the perusal of the last report 
of the American Board. What nobleness in 
designing and wisdom in executing are there 
displayed. I am led to say respecting each 
of the establishments under their patronage, 
" What hath God wrought V ' Whether we 
turn our eyes to the eastern or western 
Heathen, we discover the leadings of divine 
Providence and the peculiar blessing of the 
Lord on our dearly beloved missionaries, — 
the love of Christ constraining them, and 
the grace of Christ supporting them. We 
have abundant reason to be satisfied with the 
instruments, which God has chosen to "bear 
his name among the gentiles.' 1 They appear 
to possess an apostolic spirit, and to be emi^ 
nently devoted to the blessed work, under the 
influence of a zeal according to knowledge. — 
We know who it is from whom cometh every 
good and perfect gift. Every grace and qual- 
ification of the most distinguished missionary 
is from him who received gifts for men. " Of 
him, and to him, and through him are all 
things 5 to whom be glory forever." Every 
crown will be cast at his feet, and the glory 
of what has been done,as well as what has been 
jenjoyed, will be ascribed to him. O may w$ 



186 

here enjoy something of the blessedness of 
those who have departed to be with Christ, 
in beholding the luminous displays of his 
grace in the Church. It is but an emanation 
from the infinite excellence of his nature, 
which makes our dear missionary brethren so 
interesting and lovely. They, as well as eve- 
ry other believer, are beautiful through the 
comeliness which he puts on them. This 
idea is illustrated by Dr. Watts, speaking in 
the name of the Church. 

"Though in ourselves deformed we are. 
And black as Kedar's tents appear ; 

Yet when we put thy beauties on ? 
Fair as the courts of Solomon." 

O my dear sister, may we be constantly en- 
abled to behold him by an eye of faith, as the 
Alpha and Omega to his church; the blessed 
Vine from whose infinite fulness every branch 
derives all its beauty, verdure, and fruitful- 
ness; and may we love the branches for his 
sake. 

Among the names of very many dear faith- 
ful missionaries, that of Mr. Brainerd will 
ever hold a distinguished place. We gave it 
to our last infant son, the same we were 
called to relinquish after it had been but 
few hours in our fond arms. We besought 
the good Shepherd to sanctify its polluted 



187 

tare, and receive it into his arms to some 
humble place amid the innumerable company 
which surround the throne of God and the 
Lamb. If it had been spared, I should have 
desired no greater blessing for it, than that it 
should have been like him whose name we 
gave it ; and in its death I could ask no more, 
than that it might be prepared for the same 
blessed society. 

I trust, my dear sister, that you have en- 
joyment in divine things, though you proba- 
bly suffer much from feeble health. 1 feel 
anxious to hear how you are. I do really 
wish much to see you here. You might do 
good, if you received none. There is abun- 
dant need of christian exertion among us. We 
are very, very far from what we ought to be. 
Unhallowed feelings corrode the breasts of 
brothers and sisters; and I sometimes fear 
that we have nearly arrived at that state of 
which the Apostle speaks ; "all seek their own 
and not the things of Jesus Christ." It is pain- 
fully evident that some of the disciples of Je- 
sus have forgotten their first love; and are 
apparently less concerned for his glory than 
for their own private interest. We stand in 
perishing need of heavenly showers of grace. 
O that we may be deeply humbled on account 
of our sinful departure from the right ways of 
the Lord. 
... Be so kind as to remember me to dear 



188 

friends — I shall endeavor to write to A*** 
by the next conveyance. I ought to have 
answered her acceptable letter before. 
Your unworthy sister, 

Mary Dexter. 



Plympton, — 1819. 
To Miss B. M. 
On this consecrated evening while the 
friends of Immanuel in every quarter of the 
globe are bowing the knee and supplicating 
for blessings on a ruined world, I feel an in- 
vincible desire to write a few lines to that 
dearly beloved sister whose affections are so 
much engaged in the blessed cause. When 
I reflect on your situation— on my own — on 
the loss I shall sustain if spared longer in the 
world, my heart is fall to overflowing, and I 
have Feason to fear that your feeble frame 
will scarce endure to hear my letter read. — 
Ever since your encreased illness, I have in- 
dulged^ hope, that 1 should again see your 
face in the flesh. I do still hope so — though 
I wish to feel entirely submissive, and say 
"thy will be done." I feel a desire to express 
to you my dear sister, once more before you 
leave the church below, the tenderness and 
strength of my affection for you. I feel that 
I have reason to bless God for the privilege 



189 

of* your friendship — and am sensible that I 
ought not to wish to detain you longer in a 
sinful world, at a distance from our Heavenly 
Father's house, when Jesus seems to be man- 
ifesting his pleasure that you should soon be 
with him where he is, to behold his glory. — 
But I cannot avoid feeling the loss with keen 
sensibility, I hope God will so order it in 
his providence, that those friends who enjoy 
the privilege of visiting you in your gradual 
descent into the valley of the shadow of 
death, will inform me how the Lord is dealing 
with you, and with what views you are 
favored, while on the confines of glory. But 
I doubt not that the Lord will manifest his 
glory to your view and graciously sustain 
your sinking frame. O he is infinitely able, 
full of grace and truth. While flesh and 
heart are failing 1 doubt not you are enabled to 
say, 4 God is the strength of my heart and will 
be my portion forever.' I trust he will be 
with you in the final conflict, and will .make 
you more than a conqueror through him who 
hath loved you and washed you in his own 
precious blood. May Christ enable you to 
show forth his praise until your voice be lost 
in --death. Is not your heart ravished with 
the prospect, while only anticipating an en- 
trance into the blessed society above, where 
all is joy, and love, and praise ; where the 
sun of righteousness displays the effulgence of 

16 



190 

his glory ? Yoti have lived to see the dawning 
and advance of the Millennial day, a day of 
wonders in the kingdom of grace ; and are al- 
lowed to hope in the redemption purchased 
with the blood of the Lamb* You are ena- 
bled to say — " O to grace how great a deb- 
tor ;" and to ascribe all the glory, for the 
blessings you have enjoyed, or hope to enjoy, 
to sovereign grace. 

O my dear, dear sister, may an abundant 
entrance be administered to you, into the 
presence of him who filleth Heaven with his 
glory. Accept my kindest thanks for all 
your sisterly regard, and every expression of 
your faithful love. May the Lord Jesus ena- 
ble you to lean constantly on his compassion- 
ate bosom, and when called to be absent from 
the body may you " breathe your life out 
sweetly there." For a short season I must 
say, Adieu, 

Mary Dexter* 



Plympton, — 1819. 
To Miss B. M. 
My ever dear sister, 
By the kindness of our friend Mr. 
JJ***** I learned more particularly the state 
of your health and other circumstances, than 
1 have ever before been able to obtain, since 



191 

the first information of your illness. I would 
endeavor to bless God for his great goodness 
to you, and pray that his presence may con- 
tinually surround you until you sleep in Je- 
sus and awake in his likeness* The faithful- 
ness of Jehovah is engaged for your complete 
redemption. On that you rely as on an im- 
moveable rock, against which the hosts of hell 
shall never prevail. I trust you enjoy re- 
freshing and glorious views of eternal reali- 
ties, and will be enabled to shew forth his 
loving-kindness, while "life and breath re- 
main." You have often occasion to rejoice 
in the wonderful displays of sovereign grace, 
in the many powerful revivals of religion 
which are prevailing. In this region the 

Eeople of God have strong hopes that the 
<ord is about to appear in his glory to build 
up Zion. Appearances have certainly never 
been so encouraging since I have resided here 
as at present. Among Mr. P's parishoners 
about two miles from us a very considerable 
degree of solemnity is evinced ; and in other 
parts of his society the same is evident. — 
Some have given evidence of a gracious 
change. I hope I do long for Christ's spirit- 
ual appearing ; and yet I often fear that I am 
the very Achan that prevents or retards it. 
Search me, O God and try me, and make me 
to know myself. Beyond a doubt the friends 
pf God in this place are pleading very ear- 



192 

liestly with him that he would speedily arise 
and plead his own cause, and make his ene- 
mies submit themselves unto him. O may 
riot our iniquities provoke him to leave us as 
the barren heath in the desert, which does 
not see when good cometh. I hope, my dear- 
est sister, you will live to rejoice in another 
revival of religion around you, the glory of 
which shall far surpass all that you have ever 
witnessed. 

Until the receipt of Mr. ITs letter, I was 
in a state of uncertainty whether you would 
be able to read my letters,or were able to hear 
them read, if I should write. I have there- 
fore refrained from writing many times when 
my feelings strongly urged it. Though con- 
scious that my barren letters can afford little 
satisfaction to one on the confines of eternal 
beatitude, yet it is to me a sweet satisfaction 
to write to a sister so tenderly beloved, whose 
friendship I consider as one of the greatest 
blessings of my life. Our mutual friend as- 
sured me of what I presumed before, that yoij 
had no expectation of recovery. I fear that 
I am unreconciled to the prospect of your 
leaving us. But it is not on your account. 
I believe it will be far better for you to be 
absent from the body, as I trust you will ther 
be present with the Lord. 

May you be sustained by the almighty 
arm of Jehovah unjier all the weakness an<J 



193 

distress through which you may be called be- 
fore you enter the eternal world. 

With unabating affection, your unworlhy 
sister, 

Mary Dexter* 



Plymptoi), — 1819, 

To Miss S. F. C. 

My dear sister, 

It would greatly rejoice me to visit you 
personally instead of sending this letter by 
jny husband. But providence seems to hedge 
Up the way, and I ought to rejoice in it. I 
think I wish to derive benefit from all the 
events through which I am called to pass, and 
to rejoice when my o\yn will is crossed. You 
probably enjoy the privilege of seeing our 
dear departing sister Mayhew. Earnestly do 
I long to see her once more while remaining 
4n the body; to receive her dying counsel, 
and witness the consolations of God which a- 
bound in her. Prize the blessing, my dear 
S****, and may it be a means of your more 
rapid advance in the christian race. When 
Dea. B. visited here I fully purposed to have 
written you 5 but a variety of demands on my 
time prevented. 1 am not now able to write 
to your dear mother separately, but beg that 

16* 



194 

she will accept a share in this. Your family 
are repeatedly bereaved. God sees fit in his 
infinite wisdom to exercise some of his dear 
children with a larger share of affliction than 
others. Bat shall we on that account im- 
peach his benevolence, or doubt his love to 
us? Surely not. ■ J Whom the Lord loveth 
he conecteth, and scourgeth every son whorp 
he receiveth." He is infinitely lovely in 
taking as well as in bestowing blessings. 

We doubt not you have now another si.% 
ter in heaven. Thoqgh we mourn her depar- 
ture, we have abundant cause of thanksgiving 
that she has la ft such a testimony to the pow- 
er and grace of the gospel. Her warfare is 
accomplished, while we remain " pilgrims in 
this barren land." 

Experience has taught me to feel a tender 
sympathy in Mrs. r Ps. loss of her babe. I 
hope God will make it up in the abundant 
communications of his love. To do this he 
is infinitely able, for he is the omnipotent Je» 
hovah, rich in mercy to all that call upon 
Jiim* 

You have probably heard much more re- 
specting the wonderful displays of divine 
grace in S***, W***, and the "region round 
about/' than I have been able to learn, and 
liave glorified God on that account. With- 
out doubt we live in such a day of w T onders 
as has never before been witnessed by thse 



195 

church. God is wonderfully appearing, to 
have mercy on Zion,by stirring up the hearts 
of his people every where to devise liberal 
things. The gospel is spreading in almost 
every nation and kingdom. The important 
enquiry with respect to ourselves ought to 
be, Are we personally interested in the great 
salvation ; and, What would the Lord have 
us to do in this day of Zion's enlargement? 
Undoubtedly the daughters, as well as the 
son?, have something to do to promote her 
interests. What may we do in the sphere of 
action, which God has marked out for female 
believers? May we have wisdom from above 
to understand our duty, and persevering 
grace to perform it even to the end. 1 long 
to see you and your dear mother. How 
much we should be gratified to see you both 
here. We hope we begin to awake from our 
slumbers, and we believe that some are ena- 
bled to cry in faith, "Arise, O Lord, plead 
thine own cause." Within a few days past 
we have seen a display of divine power in 
bringing down the stout heart. A few months 

ago Mr. appeared in the front rank $f 

opposition to God and to his people. Now 
he trembles in view of the wrath to come, 
and asks those whom he has cruelly slandered 
tq visit him and to pray for him. Such pow- 
er belongeth unto God. We hope the Lord 
intends to make him a trophy of his victorious 



grace. For some time past the enemies have 
opened their mouths wide in opposing the 
cause of God. They have recently reproach- 
ed the friends of Christ, by saying, " You are 
trying to have a reformation,but you will not 
succeed, except it may be with some few silly 
women." But we think that some have been 
enabled to spread that reproach before the 
Lord, as Hezekiah did the blasphemous let- 
ter of Rabshakah ; and we hope the God of 
grace will vindicate his own glory. You re- 
collect Mr. B. who used to reside at , 

He this day related to us the way in which 
the Lord had shown him the exceeding sin- 
fulness of his heart, his exposure to eternal 
despair, and opened to his mind the way of 
salvation. I scarcely ever heard a more af* 
fecting relation and prayer. He gives very 
clear evidence of bejng a subject of divine 
grace. O may such be multiplied among us 
3s drops of morning dew. 

Your affectionate sister, 

Mary Dexter. 



The following is the last letter address* 
ed to Miss Mayhew, a young lady of New- 
Bedford, a favorite correspondent of Mrs, 
Dexter. Shortly after this Miss M. wr*s nam- 



197 

bered with the dead ; and her spirit we hum- 
bly trust was gathered to the spirits of the 
just, 

Plympton, — 1819, 

To Miss B. M. 

My very dear Sister, 

I hive just heard that you have not yet 
joined the church triumphant, and as Mr. H. 
has assured me that my letters do not injure 
your feeble frame, I feel a very strong inclin- 
ation to write you a few lines. If we were 
indulged with the privilege of a personal in- 
terview, and your strength could endure it, 
how much we might say concerning the 
mighty wonders of grace which are display- 
ing in almost every quarter of the world. If 
j^ou are able to hear the accounts contained 
in the Herald and Recorder, your soul is of- 
ten filled with praise. Who that is acquaint- 
ed with the great events which are constant- 
ly unfolding, can doubt but that the King of 
Kings is on his way to take the kingdom?— 
Sometimes 1 do indulge a hope that my heart 
rejoices in his approach. But conscious 
guilt sinks my spirits, and makes me tremble. 
1 will not however grieve your benevolent 
heart by the tale of my exceeding sinfulness. 

Our dear devoted missionary brethren con- 
tinue to give us abundant evidence that they 
are called of God, and qualified by his grace 



198 

for their arduous, important work. Their 
equally devoted wives claim also a large share 
of our affection. Were the understanding of 
the heathen illuminated to discern the excel- 
lence of their spirit and characters, they 
would behold in them a lovely transcript of 
the heavenly religion, which they inculcate. 
The time will come when the heathen shall 
see and feel the influence of the gospel. They 
will be constrained to cast away their idols 
to the moles and bats, and to relinquish their 
foolish, indecent abominations. The word 
has gone forth, " He shall have the Heathen 
for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts 
of the earth for his possession ;" and shall it 
return void ? Surely not. Nor can we sup- 
pose that he, who is wonderful in counsel, 
would qualify and incline so many of his sons 
and daughters, to leave their native land and 
go forth to proclaim the gospel among the 
heathen, unless there was work of grace to 
be performed through their instrumentality. 
In God's own appointed time, the heathen 
shall be gathered into the fold of Christ. — 
Thrice happy are they who cheerfully assist 
in forwarding the blessed work. I think it 
must give you satisfaction to see the society, 
which has so much engaged your feelings and 
exertions, shooting forth so many "Branches." 
Did you anticipate, at its commencement, 
that in six years, the "Heathen's Friend" 



59 



199 

would receive seven additional Branches in 
adjoining Towns? May God give every mem- 
ber fourfold zeal. 

May the gracious Lord, to whom you are 
consecrated, grant you abundant consolations 
till you shall be received into the general as- 
sembly of the just made perfect. 

Adieu, my dearly beloved friend, 

Mary Dexter. 



The following short letter shows how de- 
sirous Mrs. Dexter was to do good on every 

! occasion. It was a few lines, accompanying 
a small number of religious Tracts, put into 

i the hands of one of the members of the 
church in Plympton upon her commencing a 
journey. 

Lord's Day ^ September 28th, 1820. 

To Mrs* S. T. 

My very dear Sister, 

I find that my heart cleaves to yota, and 
1 will I trust follow you in your intended jour- 
| ney. O may you constantly enjoy the pre- 
, sence of Christ, and the transforming views 
\ of his lovely character, which the Holy Spir- 
it gives to those who follow him fully. Our 
I time is short and very soon we shall be called 



200 

to stand before the great white throne an 
"pass the solemn test." I entreat your pray- 
ers for me, most vile and hateful, that 1 may 
be prepared then to appear in the perfect 
righteousness of Immanuel, to be with him 
where he is and to behold his glory* If a 
heart o pray be given me, I certainly shall 
remember you. 

Our dear church at this time appears so 
overspread with sins and iniquities, that I am 
filled with discouragement and am almost 
ready to fear the awful denunciation of him, 
who walketh in the midst of the golden can- 
dlesticks, "I will spue thee out of my mouth." 
I have thought more of late that I may be the 
Achan in the camp, for whose cause others 
are left to stray ; and that the Lord of the 
vineyard is about to remove me as a noxious 
branch, so that the remaining branches may 
again flourish in gospel purity. 

His wisdom is infinite, — O that my soul 
may rejoice in this precious word, "my coun- 
sel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure." 
Though that counsel should consign me a vile, 
ungrateful, unbelieving wretch to the black- 
ness of darkness for ever, yet it will be wi^cr 
and holy, just and good. Holy beings will 
rejoice in it, and sinful ones too will be under 
eternal obligations to love and rejoice in the 
government of God, because his government 
will be just and good and righteous forever 
and ever. 



201 

I have, my dear sister, put up a few Tracts 
together with the valuable letters of Mrs. O. 
thinking they might agreably occupy a leis- 
ure hour in your journey, or help you to drop 
a word in season by which some soul might 
be eternally benefited. I trust those among 
whom you may go will be constrained to 
take knowledge of you that you have been 
with Jesus. May his gracious providence 
lead you out and return you home in peace 
and safety. 

Your affectionate unworthy sister, 

Mary Dexter. 



The two following letters were addressed 
to young ladies who had been Mrs. Dexter's 
pupils. The advice they contain, while it 
discovers the writer's solicitude for the im- 
mortal welfare of her pupils, is equally appli- 
cable to other young persons of the same 
age. 

Plympton, — 1820. 
Misses S. M. C.andC. T. 

Accept my thanks, my dear pupils, for 
your expressions of gratitude. Your attention 
and improvement during the quarter now 
closing have been highly gratifying. You 
will not, I trust, relinquish the pursuit of 
knowledge with your emancipation from 

17 



202 

scholastic duties* Much improvement of the 
mind may be acquired amidst the duties of 
active life. You have successfully entered 
the paths of knowledge, and I hope you will 
be induced to continue the pursuit, until your 
minds shall be richly stored with useful 
knowledge. Mental cultivation, especially 
when sanctified by divine grace, gives digni- 
ty to the female character ; while superficial 
accomplishments and trifling levity degrade 
the possessor and disgust the refined and ju- 
dicious observer. 

Reading well chosen books, reflection, the 
habit of clothing your ideas in words, episto- 
lary writing, all will be beneficial in the de- 
velopement and cultivation of your minds. — 
But these solid, useful accomplishments should 
not be sought for their own sake solely; but 
only as a qualification for greater -usefulness, 
and in subordination to the interests of eter- 
nity. The glory of God, the salvation of souls, 
is of infinitely greater importance than every 
thing else which can be named. You will 
allow me, therefore, my dear young friends, 
now we are about to separate, renewedly to . 
press this " one thing needful" upon your 
thoughts. It demands immediate attention. 
The testimony of God's word, confirmed by 
the voice of conscience, tells us that by na- 
ture we are children of wrath even as others. 
Born under the law, we are exposed to its 



203 

penalty and nothing can save us from its in- 
fliction but deep repentance, and faith in the 
Lord Jesus Christ, However amiable our 
natural dispositions, however unexceptionable 
our external deportment may be, yet if we 
love not the Lord Jesus, we are exposed to 
the awful anathema of him who cannot lie. — - 
God has made us rational creatures, and has 
informed us also that we are accountable to 
him for our conduct. He has commanded us 
to love him with all the heart ; and has as- 
sured us that in so doing we shall not 
only enjoy inexpressible peace at present, 
but shall hereafter be filled with joy unspeak- 
able and full of glory. And because we are 
fallen and undone, there is a glorious Savior 
provided, who is both able and willing to save 
all who come unto God through him. The 
Holy Spirit is also commissioned to reprove 
of sin, righteousness, and judgment, to arouse 
us from the slumbers of spiritual death. What 
more can be done to save us than has been 
done ? And now, my dear young friends, shall 
we perish amidst all this rich profusion of 
grace ? Shall we force our way to destruction 
through all these barriers of mercy ? O no ! 
Do let us attend immediately and earnestly 
to this momentous concern. Let us not delay 
to a "convenient season 5" for that may never 
come, if we neglect the present. If we re- 
fuse to hear while God is calling he may say 



204 

of us, "Let them alone; my Spirit shall no 
longer btrive with them," 

To one of my two young friends, whom I 
now address, I would say, since you have 
professed to be a disciple of Christ, " Be not 
conformed to this world," but let your con- 
versation be in heaven, that others may be 
won by your example, while they behold 
your"chaste conversation coupled with fear." 
Wherein you may have departed from the di- 
rections and example of your great Master in 
heaven, pray earnestly that you may be for- 
given, and not be the means of leading others 
to continue in the way, which leads to the 
chambers of death eternal. 

To the other I would affectionately say, 
give your heart to God. Now in your youth 
engage in the service of Christ. If you do 
so in sincerity, you will find him a glorious 
Master and a gracious Savior, every way 
qualified to make you happy, tiot only here, 
but forever, in him all fulness dwells ; all 
power in heaven and on earth is committed 
to his hands* He can do every thing, which 
such guilty, lost creatures need to have done. 
His precious blood has been shed for the re- 
demption of souls, and he is exalted to be 'a 
Prince and a Savior to give repentance and 
remission of sins. Will you not, my dearly 
beloved pupil, accept of him as your Savior 
and Redeemer ? There is joy and peace in 



205 

believing. There is solid enjoyment in the 
ways of religion here ; there is support, con* 
solation, and triumph in the awful hour of 
death ; there is beyond the grave joy un- 
speakable and full of glory. 

May God abundantly bless you both. May 
he give you grace to improve every qualifi- 
cation and advantage you possess to the glory 
of God, and the benefit of your fellow crea- 
tures ; and when you and I shall meet at the 
bar of the Judge of all, may it be with joy 
and triumph, and may we be eternally united 
in the service of God in the realms of glory. 

Yours affectionately, 

Mary Dexter, 



Plympton, — 1821. 

To Miss S. M. C. 

I acknowledge with gratitude the receipt of 
two affectionate letters from my dear S****. 
The first was a long time on its passage. The 
last was received in due time by the hand of 
sister D., but, as I was absent from home, 
your request for an answer could not then be 
complied with. Your affectionate enquiries 
respecting my present religious enjoyment 
demand a grateful return. A disclosure pf 
the truth on the subject must pain you; |mt 

17* 



206 

I will not attempt to deceive by affecting an 
engagedness which my heart does not, feel. — 
God looketh on the heart; and I cannot be 
unconscious that his infinitely pure eyes be- 
hold innumerable abominations, of which my 
fellow-creatures never suspect me. If we are 
enabled to repair daily to the " fountain of 
cleansing," we may be purified from the in- 
expressible pollution and guilt of sin. Why 
are we naturally so averse to bathing in that 
blood, which clcanseth from all sin? Is it be- 
cause we love independence, and would pre- 
fer to deliver ourselves from the snare of the 
fowler ? A life of faith, if I have a correct 
view of the subject, is a life of absolute de- 
pendence on another ; not for one thing alone, 
but for every thing. To me it is undeniably 
evident that a Savior less than the "Fellow 
and Equal" of the Lord Almighty would be 
entirely inadequate to the necessities of ruin- 
ed, self-destroyed sinners. Let us then, my 
dear young sister, prize more highly a pre- 
cious and exalted Savior. Let us endeavor 
to live more by faith in his name, more to his 
glory, by consecrating every faculty to his 
service. If we do not feel it in our daily ex- 
perience, our understandings tell us that his 
service is perfect freedom, his yoke easy, 
and his burden light. We know that too 
much cannot be done to honor him, who is 
worthy of infinite honor. Why do not all 



207 

who bear the christian name, particularly 
those who believe in the outpouring of the 
Holy Spirit to produce the zeal and activity 
of christians ; — why do we not all arise with 
one heart to do the will of God and show forth 
his praise ? While overwhelmed with the 
painful perception of our own deadness and 
]un profitableness in the Lord's vineyard, we 
pay yet rejoice, my dear, that Christ has not 
left himself without witness in his church, 
that his grace is all-conquering and all-suffi- 
cient. To those who point the finger of 
scorn at such lifeless unprofitable professors 
as you and I, and with too much reason make 
the taunting enquiry, " What do ye more 
than others ? we may with humble confidence 
.gay, "Read the lives of a Brainerd, a Vander- 
kemp, a Buchanan, a Martyn, and a Mills, 
with many female worthies of kindred spirits, 
and you may see the influence of true relig- 
ion, when it shines with its intrinsic lustre.™ 
Every instance of the power of divine grace, 
jexemplified in the holy life of any christian, 
ought not only to excite in us a desire to be 
like-minded, but to fill us with gratitude to 
him, from whom eometh every good and per- 
fect gift. Every beam of light, emanating 
from his infinite fulness on this dark world, 
should be considered an undeserved favor, 
demanding a suitable return of love. 

By Mrs, H. we learn that you are engaged 



203 

in imparting instruction to the children a- 
round ybu. May you be enabled to discharge 
faithfully the high trust reposed in you. — 
You have seen the example of an unfaithful 
teacher; and will you, my dear, endeavor to 
improve by the failures you could but observe 
during the last season. I hope you may be 
made instrumental of making impressions on 
the minds of the dear children, which may 
endure through eternity* Remember me to 
Miss H. and remind her of the obligation she 
ought to feel on account of healing mercy and 
spared life. 

The ladies in P. are furnished with articles 
for the formation of a Society, and are al- 
ready organized ; so that there will be no 
necessity for your feeling any further anxiety 
on the subject. We have begun in Plympton 
after thinking long on the subject, to prepare 
clothing, &x. for the children of the forest. — 
For so early a beginning we are remarkably 
blessed in the undertaking. Write as often 
as consistent, and believe me your 

Affectionate friend. 

Mary Dexter. 



The concluding letters in the series are ad- 
dressed to family connexions. The expostu- 
lations contained in some of them are plain, 



: 



209 

fcut they are such as fraternal affection will ' 
cheerfully excuse. 

Plympton, — 1821. 
To Mrs. C. M. 
My dear Sister. 
Since hearing of my brother's illness by 
Mrs. S., I have felt an unusual anxiety about 
you and the dear children. I feel a deep 
sympathy in the painful solicitude you must 
have felt during the progress of his disorder, 
and hope you have been supported under the 
trial by him, whose "tender mercies are over 
all his works." We had not heard from him 
or from his family since I came from Free- 
town about the middle of Feb. until the last 
Sabbath, and knew not but that all my dear 
relatives were in usual health. But a fearful 
presentiment had fixed on my mind that some 
of my friends were sick. 1 trust he is quite 
recovered before now, and indulge the pleas- 
ing expectation that he will be returned to 
you in safety after the close of his public 
business. O that God may sanctify the fre- 
quent sicknesses, which he has been called to 

. endure, for the benefit of his soul. It is in 
itself a pleasing consideration that my broths 
er is favored with the confidence of his fel- 
low-citizens, and enjoys a considerable share 
of worldly prosperity ; but a heart-rending 

| fear sometimes oppresses me, that bis atten- 



210 

lion will be diverted from things of eter- 
nal moment. Frequent sickness and re- 
peated bereavements admonish loudly, that 
there is no durable enjoyment in this world, 
nothing on which we can with safety lean 
for happiness. And what are the enjoymen-ts 
which the wealth, applause, and honors of 
this world afford ? Does the possession of them 
leave no unsatisfied desire? Ar<e they suffi- 
cient to support the soul amid the terrors of 
dissolving nature ? 

In relation to my dear brother and sister 
and each member of their family one earnest 
desire predominates in my heart; — that they 
may be convinced of the guilt and danger of 
a state of enmity against God, may flee to 
Jesus and trust in him as an all-sufficient Sav- 
ior, and may cordially consecrate themselves 
to his service. 

My dear sister will not think me unkind, if 
1 endeavor earnestly to pray for this. Could 
I have evidence of this, mv heart would over- 
flow with joy—for I should then have the as- 
surance that those, who are bound to my 
heart by the strong ties of natural affection, 
were engaged in the most noble employments 
of which they were capable, and were prepar- 
ing to spend a happy eternity in the presence 
of our God. We feel desirous to hear from 
you, and if you will have the goodness to 
Jeaye a line with your brother a few days 



211 

hence, Mr. C. will call and take it directly 
to me. 

Your affectionate sister, 

Mary Dexter. 



In the following letter the writer alludes 
to the principles of the Unitarians, — princi- 
ples which, it is well known t prevail in many 
parts of New England, where once a purer 
doctrine w r as professed without any dissent- 
ing voice, 

Plympton, — 1321. 
To Mrs C. M. 

When I received your welcome letter, my 
dear sister, the prospect of my having a con- 
venient conveyance for an answer the next 
week appeared promising. — But Mr. C. has 
been delaying his visit from week to week 
until now. Your situation with regard to re- 
ligious privileges must excite the most tender 
commiseration in the hearts of all, who feel 
the value of such privileges in any measure. 
! Yet while I deeply lament the painful trial 
! to which you are thus early called, I do re- 
joice that you feel such things to be a trial. — 
Were you gratified and happy in the plans 
and prospects of the Society in T. in their 
present circumstances, grief would almost 



212 

Overwhelm me. I should greatly fear* you 
were given up to "strong delusions." Better 
is it to suffer affliction with the people of 
God than to enjoy the delusive vagaries of 
unsanctified reason for a little season. We. 
have, my dear sister, solemnly, and I hope 
sincerely avouched the Lord God of Hosts to 
be our God; the Lord Jesus Christ to be our 
only Savior; and the Holy Ghost to be our 
only Sanctifier. * Virtually, if not explicitly, 
we have engaged to govern our faith and prac- 
tice by the oracles of God. Is there no mean- 
ing in this most solemn transaction ? Are we 
now at liberty to deny the authority of the 
law and to impugn the character of the Law- 
giver? O may we shudder at the impious 
thought ; and may we always feel the most 
tender compassion for those, who are left to 
act such a sinful part. 

There are undoubtedly many points of dif- 
ference in religious sentiment, which do not 
affect the vital principle of piety. But the 
doctrines to which you have of late been 
obliged to listen, we must say from the most 
careful attention to the Bible, are not of this 
description. There must be a fundamental 
difference. If the views we have fondly cher- 
ished as the life and joy of our souls, be ia 
reality those which God reveals, the opposite 
connot be Christianity. You have, I doubt 
Jiot, often shuddered at the temerity discover- 



213 

ed by many in explaining away, and as it 
were annihilating the most momentous gos- 
pel truths; and have been melted into com- 
passion for them, when reading the solemn, 
awful denunciations of Jesus and his Apostles 
respecting such characters. 

My husband heard yesterday that Mr. — 
had given an affirmative reply to the invita- 
tion to settle in T. It is what 1 expected to 
hear. For some time there has appeared to 
me very little hope that your church would 
be favored with what we esteem a gospel 
minister. Believing as we do that the most 
High governs all things after the counsel of 
his own will, we have the highest reason to 
believe that there is a holy and wise design 
in this as well as in all events. May w r e be 
enabled to exercise entire submission, while 
we mourn that Christ should be disregarded 
J and dishonored, and souls be deceived to their 
: eternal ruin. It is a very important point of 
I christian duty to feel the preciousness of the 
i truths on which our all depends ; to love 
them as our life, and yet at all times to cherish 
I proper feelings towards those who oppose 
and reproach. But this is the duty which 
| is binding upon all, who love the Lord Jesus. 
When the exercise of grace prevails, it is 
easy to do so. O may those who are the 
! real disciples of Christ among you in this 
day of peculiar trial be enabled to manifest 

IB 



214 

the excellence of the Spirit of Christ. While 
earnestly maintaining the purity of divine 
truth, may it be done with the meekness and 
gentleness of him whom they love. Much 
injury is oftentimes done to the best of all 
causes by a wrong spirit in its defence. 

You and nvy brother are, I have reason to 
believe, very affectionately remembered by 
some in this place, who, though not honored 
with the world's applause, will be forever as 
" kings and priests unto God." Their prayers 
I hope may be answered with abundant bless- 
ings on your souls, and on your family. You 
may conceive that I have felt no small de- 
' gree of satisfaction in hearing that my broth- 
er gives no suffrage to Unitarianism. That 
must be considered as one of those errors, 
with which we have no fellowship. — May the 
precious, powerful truths of God's word 
which have become the salvation of an "in- 
numerable multitude," be made the "sword of 
the Spirit," and the life of his soul. 

Your affectionate sister, 
Mary Dexter. 



The two following letters were written by 
Mrs. Dexter to her brother at Washington* 
while a member of Congress. 



215 
Plympton, — 1 8 1 G , 
To M. M, Esq. 
My dear Brother, 

I must begin with an apology for delaying 
so long to answer your kind letters of Janua- 
ry last. I have become unaccountably remiss 
in using the pen ; and, though I have design- 
ed almost every mail to write you, it has still 
been neglected. Accept my very grateful 
acknowledgements for your fraternal generos- 
ity. For what passed "some ten or twelve 
years ago" I pretend to no claim ; and you 
will allow me to receive your enclosure as a 
kind and acceptable present. Both your let- 
ters were received without loss or delay. I 
hope you may be amply rewarded in your 
own bosom for every act of kindness. 

A few weeks since 1 spent several days in 
your family, and can give you a very pleasing 
account of the uncommonly good conduct of 
your dear little daughters. — They appeared 
exceedingly affectionate and obedient to their 
mama, and pleasant to one another. Their 
papa's much-wished return was a subject of 
frequent conversation and eager anticipation. 
I begin to know the heart of a parent, and 
can therefore conceive that it will give you 
great satisfaction to know that your children 
conduct with propriety. They now give 
pleasing promise of future loveliness. May 



216 

they long be spared to comfort and delight 
the hearts of their parents, and be fitted by 
an early participation of divine grace for emi- 
nent usefulness in the world. In an adjoin- 
ing town a great mortality now prevails 
among children. One family of my acquain- 
tance are called to deposit three lovely chil- 
dren in one grave. Many others are dead 
and dying. We have been taught, my dear 
brother, to know something of the bitterness 
of their sorrows. O may we receive instruc- 
tion from such painful dispensations, and nev- 
er despise the chastening of the Lord. 

It was truty gratifying to hear that you had 
so valuable a man for a room companion as I 
conceive Mr. S. to be. Certainly, my dear 
brother, those whose duty it is to make laws 
for a nation should have a sense of their ac- 
countability to the God of nations, and should 
feel a cordial subjection to the great eternal 
Lawgiver. However highly any one may be 
exalted in worldly honor, faith in the Lord 
Jesus and obedience to his authority, would 
be infinitely more honorable. It is not the 
spirit of fanaticism, but a sincere desire for 
your highest interest and your noblest exalta- 
tion, which induces me thus to write. I cov- 
et for you that honor which cometh from 
God, even the favor of the "King of Kings." 
I wish to know that you have accepted the 
gospel invitation to a more august assembly 



2iY 

than the most splendid levees of earthly po- 
tentates ; even that of the Marriage Supper 
of the Lamb. My heart's desire is that you 
may have an interest in the everlasting treas- 
ures of Christ's righteousness, and use your 
influence in promoting the cause of God on 
earth. 

After your return, I realy hope you will 
find an early opportunity to visit Plympton 
with Mrs. M. To us it would be very grati- 
fying. Accept the affectionate and respect- 
ful regard of our whole family, particularly 
of your sister 5 

Mary Dexter, 



Plympton,— 1821. 

To M. M, Esq. 

Intelligence of the sickness and death of 
several Members of Congress during the win- 
ter has increased my anxiety about my be- 
loved brother. And though I have omitted 
writing till near the close of the Session, in- 
sensibility respecting your welfare has not 
occasioned the neglect? My sleeping and 
waking thoughts often visit you, and often do 
I regret that I have not been more explicit 
with you respecting your views and prospect^ 
for eternity. I would humbly confess my 
criminal backwardness in conversing with 

18 * 



«* 

you on a subject of all others the most impor- 
tant. 1 do endeavor to pray that the want 
of christian faithfulness, and christian exam- 
ple, which you have observed in me, may not 
be a means of leading you to slight the relig- 
ion of the gospel. Its importance, excellence, 
and glory are amply delineated by the pen 
of inspiration. In the volume of God's word, 
my dear brother, you may learn the spirit 
and tendency of the religion of Christ. There 
too we are reminded how wretched and 
guilty we all are, while strangers to its trans- 
forming power. 

The goodness of God has been remarkably 
displayed towards you, my dear brother. — 
Surely nothing short of an almighty hand 
could have raised you from an illness so ex- 
ceedingly dangerous. Every circumstance 
connected with your recovery, however triv- 
ial it might appear to some, 1 consider as the 
result of infinite wisdom and goodness, em- 
braced in God's design of mercy. Never did 
I on your account experience sensations so 
exceedingly distressing as in that awful mo- 
ment, w r hen you were to human appearance 
' just on the verge of eternity. How would 
the bitterness of that hour have been changed 
into sweet composure by an evidence of your 
preparation for an " incorruptible inheri- 
tance." I reflected on the temporal blessings 
winch h^d crowned your life, $rid demanded 



219 , 

a return of gratitude and praise. You had 
been blessed with superior endowments of 
mind, with the confidence and suffrages of 
your fellow-citizens, and had been placed in 
very responsible situations. You had from the 
first dawn of reason been allowed the privilege 
of God's word, and the offers of the gospel. — 
If these and unnumbered other advantages 
had all been regarded only with a selfish 
view; — If you had continued in the neglect 
of the divine requirements, — had practically 
refused the Savior of sinners — and had sought 
only your own interest in opposition to the 
glory of God, amidst so many means of grace, 
O what an account must be given at the bar 
of him, who is a "God of judgment, by whom 
actions are weighed." My dear brother, be 
not angry with me for suggesting these sol* 
emn reflections to your mind at this time. — 
God is witness how tenderly I regard your 
welfare. Respect for many amiable qualities 
which I rejoice to see in you mingles with 
the fondness of sisterly affection. But what- 
ever be our natural advantages, and acquired 
excellences ; however beloved and honored by 
our fellow-creatures — without being born of 
the Spirit, and being led by the Spirit, we shall 
never find the gates of heaven open for our 
reception. I hope the mind of my dear and 
highly respected brother is not a stranger to 
reflexions on the mo mentous subject of relig- 



220 

ion. Bat I am ignorant of all that passes in 
your thoughts on the subject. I can assure 
you that many hearts would be made glad to 
see you become a humble believer in the 
Lord Jesus, accounting it your highest honor 
to sit at his feet and hear his word. Such a 
temper and conduct more truly ennobles, 
than all th.e fading honors of this transitory 
world. In some measure 1 feel that I am less 
than a}] 9 and unworthy to introduce the sub- 
ject to you ; but we are hastening into eterni- 
ty. Our state as well as characters will soon 
be unalterably fixed; and then, if never be^ 
fore, we shall feel the weight of these truths. 
May God in infinite mercy renew the heart 
of my dear, dear brother, and qualify him by 
his grace for usefulness in the world in a high- 
er and more important sense, than any man 
in a state of nature qan possibly be. Forgive 
me, my dear brother, jf 1 have appeared as- 
suming, or have written any thing inconsist- 
ent with the deference I owe yop, 

I have gre,at hopes that your life will be 
spared till you return to your friends, though 
others are taken from your number. 

Your obliged affectionate sister, 

Mary Dexter ? 



We here close Mrs. Dexter's epistolary 
correspondence. In the latter part of her 
life she wrote but few letters to her friends. 
Her health was impaired ; some of her cor- 
respondents had gone before her to the world 
of spirits ; others had removed to remote 
parts of the country, and her familiarity with 
them by time and distance had insensibly di- 
minished. Those with whom she was most 
intimate in the latter years of her life were 
persons of piety in the place of her residence. 
Her intercourse with them was such as gave 
no occasion for the interchange of letters. — 
There was no necessity for her committing 
to writing the pious effusions of her heart in 
the form of letters, when she had opportuni- 
ty to meet every week with her christian 
friends for religious conversation and social 
prayer. 

Her death was preceded by sickness of 
nearly two years continuance ; attended how- 
ever by intervals, in which she enjoyed com- 
parative health, and faint hopes of recovery. 
When her health first declined, she labored 
Under deep depression of mind. To the evil 



222 

of sin in the sight of God, and to her own di- 
ftciencies as a christian her sensibility was 
always extreme. Throughout her whole life 
indeed she seldom evinced much of lively 
christian joy. She was not melancholy.— 
Whatever some may imagine of the tendency 
of her religious sentiments to inspire gloom, 
this was not their influence upon her mind, 
Melancholly constituted no part of her char- 
acter. She was habitually cheerful ; she al- 
ways met her christian friends with the smile 
of joy on her countenance. Still it does not 
appear by her letters, nor by any of her com- 
positions, that she was often the subject of 
transporting emotions of religious joy, or was 
highly favored with the grace of assurance. 
Tranquil hope in the Redeemer, rattier than 
assurance; cheerfulness, rather than joy, 
marked her christian course. 

When her health began to decline, she was 
sensible that her departure was approaching. 
For nearly two years before her death she 
^as habitually impressed with the persuasion 
that her time was short. She appeared to 
have the presentiment that she should be cut 
off in the midst of her days, and be consigned 
to an early grave. When asked why she in- 
dulged these thoughts, she replied that a la- 
tent disease was gradually wasting her frame. 
Whether she was realy a prey to any latent 
constitutional infirmity or not, her fears were 



223 

realized by the event; and, when death ac- 
tually approached, she was not unprepared to 
encounter its terrors. 

For some time after the beginning of her 
decline she was deprived of the sensible con- 
solations of religion. She may be said at this 
time to have walked in darkness, and to have 
seen no light. If we seek for natural causes 
of this mental depression, we may attribute it 
to that fear of death to which the most pious 
are not always superior, and to that grief 
which a tender parent feels at the thought of 
leaving her young children in a degenerate 
world without a mother's counsel to guide or 
care to protect them. It was a season in 
which the feelings of human nature triumph- 
ed over the exercises of grace, — a season 
when hope and confidence in God seemed to 
have forsaken her, because they were not 
equal to the severity of her trials. She 
complained of darkness. She was deprived 
of that joy and peace in believing, with which 
she had been favored in past years. Perhaps 
this was designed by him, who hath promised 
that all things shall work together for good to 
them that love God, to make her more hum- 
ble ; more devout ; more submissive ; and 
thus prepare her for more sensible consola- 
tion, when actually on the confines of eterni- 
ty. It appears to have been the last conflict 
with the powers of darkness anticipated; for 



224 

after this she enjoyed the light of God's coun- 
tenance with very little interruption; and 
finally departed filled with hope of eternal 
life. 

Her decline can scarcely be called gradual, 
for she was for several months in so low a 
state as to be in almost daily expectation of 
dissolution. This occurred nealy a year be- 
fore her death. During this distressing sick- 
ness her mind was at rest. Though constrain- 
ed to consider herself on the confines of eter- 
nity, her heart was fixed on God her Savior ; 
her faith and hope were unimpaired. To the 
surprize of herself and of all her friends she 
partially recovered from this sickness, so as 
to be able to bestow some attention upon her 
domestic duties. Yet she was never restored 
to health. She was at times able to superin- 
tend her family affairs ; to converse cheerful- 
ly with her friends ; and occasionally to en- 
joy the comfort of a short ride. Still disease 
was making a slow and silent progress to 
bring her to the house appointed for all th$ 
living, and grace was preparing her for a bet- 
ter world. 

When partially restored, and when most 
free from pain, she enjoyed the least of consol- 
ation in spiritual communion with God. 
Having experienced most signal mercy from 
God in her partial restoration, her sensitive 
mind was filled with fears, that she should not 



225 

render unto the Lord according to his bene- 
fits; nor praise him with that ardor of affec- 
tion, which his goodness demanded. She 
was at this time often heard to reproach her- 
self for ingratitude to God ; and to mourn 
over her insensibility to divine goodness, — 
The health of her mind appears to have been 
a contrast to the health of hei body. When 
most distressed by sickness she was most 
tranquil and submissive; and enjoyed most 
sensibly the consolations of religion* 

All who attended her during her last sick- 
ness were witnesses of her ardent piety. Her 
conversation was eminently in heaven. 
She entertained, for most of the time, not the 
most distant hope of recovery, and with her 
christian visitors she frequently conversed 
upon her death as near at hand. Her own 
departure was a topic upon which she dis- 
coursed so frequently, that the thought of 
death became familiar to her mind. 

She observed one day to a friend,* — one 
with whom she had frequently associated in 
christian fellowship, — 4 Sister C, I hope my 
' christian friends will never lavish any prais- 
es upon me after I am gone. If you say any 
thing of me to any one, say that I am a poor, 
undone, miserable sinner; dependent on the 
blood of Christ alone for the pardon of in- 
numeriible transgresssions. If I am ever 
saved it will be entirely through the sovcv 

19 



226 

4 reign grace of God abounding to the chifcf 
'of sinners.' 

On another occasion the same lady obser- 
ved to Mrs. Dexter, 4 1 hope you will enjoy 
' peace in your last hours, and have a triumph- 
ant death, and entrance into heaven.' 4 0, 
said she, tell me not of a triumphant death. 
I know not that such a sinner as I am ought 
to wish for a triumphant death. All I de- 
sire is to enjoy a delightful view of the Sav- 
ior, and to commend'my departing spirit in- 
to his hands. I feel surprized that such a 
sinner as I am should have any discoveries 
of a Savior made to me, — -such a glorious 
Savior, an Almighty Savior, one infinitely 
able to redeem my soul from sin and raise 
me to the heavenly world.' 
She was frequently visited during her long 
and distressing sickness by her christian 
friends, and there were not a few of her visi- 
tors, whom she requested to pray with her. — 
Witnessing her extreme bodily sufferings with 
tender sympathy, they frequently supplicated 
for her recovery, and prayed that God would 
mitigate her distresses. This she had noticed, 
and observed one day, 'that her christian 
6 friends must not pray so much as they had 
' done for her recovery, and relief from bodi- 
' ly distresses. She wished them rather to 
c pray that God would endue her with more 
4 submission, more patience 5 and make her 



227 

* willing to be any thing or nothing, as God 
4 should ordain ; and especially that he would 
1 enable her to glorify God by patient sub- 
4 mission to all he should require her to en- 
4 dure.' 

Mrs. Dexter in her sickness, and while re- 
ceiving the visits of her christian friends, who 
met to sympathize and to pray with her, was 
still intent upon doing good. She frequently 
and pathetically urged the members *>f the 
church in Plympton to be active and zealous 
in the cause of God, and to continue instant 
in prayer for spiritual blessings. She urged 
them never to be weary in well-doing ; never 
to neglect any duty, the recollection of which 
would give them painful reflections, when 
they came to die. 4 Tell them from me,' said 
she to one with whom she was most inti- 
mate, 'charge them from me, as from a dying 
4 friend, especially the sisters of the church, 
4 never to bring reproach upon their profer- 
'sion; but by a meek and humble deport- 
4 ment, by a devout and holy life, to recom- 

* mend to the world the religion of the gos- 
4 pel.' 

During her residence at Plympton Mrs, 
Dexter had persuaded the female professors 
of religion to attend stated meetings for 
pi^er and other religious duties among 
themselves. She was punctual in attending 
herself, and frequently led in their devotions, 



228 

In her last sickness, recollecting without 
doubt the happy hours she had spent at these 
female prayermeetings,she urged it upon those 
who had attended them never to neglect 
them. She left with them her dying charge 
to be more spiritual, more devotional, and 
more constant than they had been in their 
attendance. 

When her christian friends attended her 
in her sickness, as watchers,she sometimes re- 
quested them in the course of the night to 
pray with her ? Mrs, C, sitting by her bed- 
side after all others in the house had retired 
to rest, was requested by Mrs, Dexter to join 
with her in this exercise. 4 Itmay be,' said 
she,'we shall never have another opportunity 
' of praying together in this world. 5 After the 
exercise was concluded she exclaimed, 4 What 
4 a privilege it is that we can come to the 
4 throne of grace and make known all our 
6 wants to our merciful Father in heaven.' 

The same lady was at another time watch- 
ing with her, After enjoying a little repose 
in sleep, she awoke, and articulated in a f^iint 
voice, gathering strength as she proceeded, 4 1 
4 shall see the Savior, shall I not, sister C ? O 
4 yes, I shall see him as he is. This is the 
6 promise. J shall see all his excellence, all 
4 his glory in the world of spirits, to which I 
4 shall shortly go.' At this time she was sup- 
posed to be upon the borders of eternity ; and 



229 

it appears by this and other incidents that 
Christ and heaven were in all her thoughts. 

In her last sickness she was sometimes rais* 
ed into transporting emotions of joy ip con* 
templating the glory of the Savior, She ex^ 
pressed one day to her husband a fervent de- 
sire to depart and be with Christ. 'You will 
4 not think it strange,' said she 4 that I wish to 

4 leave you that I may be with him to behold 
*• his glory. God has given us much domestic 

5 happiness since our connexion, and I have 
?>as much attachment to you as one human be? 
> ing ought to cherish toward another. I love 
4 my two little sons, — none but a parent knows 
4 how dear they are to a mother's heart ; and 
U feel for you in your many afflictions; but 
4 God will support you. I know he will. I be- 
4 lieve he will make your children a comfort 
4 to you by "calling them by his grace,' 5 Still 
4 you cannot think it strange that I love the 
4 Lord Jesus more than any earthly friend, 
4 and that I wish to leave you that I may be 
4 with him. I see the Lord Jesus in his beau- 
4 ty and glory as I have never beheld him be- 
4 fore. — 1 long to be with him.' This she ut- 
tered, says my informant, with an eye spark- 
ling with intelligence,and a countenance glow- 
ing with love? Mrs. Dexter h^d spent years 
in mourning over the depravity of her heart, 
and reproaching herself for sins, which none 
but herself would ever have imputed to her? 

61 



330 

She was now reaping the fruit of her godly 
sorrow in a rich harvest of consolation and 
spiritual joy. If; was consolation amidst the 
anguish of dissolving nature 5 it was joy in the 
God of her salvation, an earnest of heaven in 
lier souL 

/ In the course of the summer preceding her 
death, she requested the privilege of once 
piore partaking at the communion table with 
tier brethren and sisters in the Lord. Her 
Wishes were gratified. The church attended, 
and the service was performed at her house. 
It was a season 6f uncommon interest to her- 
self and others, $11 the communicants testi- 
fied to the ardor of her devotion, when cele- 
brating this^ festival of love* She found how- 
ever that theexercise was too much for her 
feeble frame to support ; and she thought it 
prudent afterward to deny herself this mode 
of communing With her Savior. 

For several ntonth's she lingered on the con- 
fines of life, sometimes too feeble to converse 
except with heir family and her Savror; at 
other times freely Conversing with any of her 
friends on subjects m6st interesting to a dy- 
ing christian. She appeared always resign- 
ed ; tho' her sufferings were severe,she never 
Expressed impatience or complaint. Christ 
to her was ill in all. On the ninth of Oct! 
\f 822, her departing spirit, we trust, was re- 
ceived by her gracious Redeemer, 






231 

The character of Mrs. Dexter may be collected 
from the letters contained in this volume. In theni 
she appears fully to have disclosed her views of the 
doctrines of Redemption, and the feelings of her own 
heart without' disguise. Her conversation upon relig- 
ious subjects corresponded to what she wrote in famil- 
iar letters to her friends. Her general deportment 
was consistent with her professions. She may with 
truth be said to have maintained the character of a 
consistent christian. 

She was a devotional christian., The meditations she 
has recorded in her journal prove that she was not 
a stranger to her closet ; and she possessed that knowl- 
edge of the plague of her heart, which can be acquir- 
ed only by frequent self-examination in retirement, 
and in prayer before God. 

She was distinguished for humility. This christian 
grace shone with peculiar lustre in her character.-— 
She scarce dared to think herself pious ; and attribute 
ed to every one, in whom any evidence of grace ap- 
peared, a g-reater degree of piety than she thought she 
possessed herself. She strictly complied with the max- 
im, " let each esteem other better than himself." Pos- 
sessed of a humble opinion of her own attainments in 
religion, she was grieved rather than gratified with 
hearing any commendation of her piety. ' Let my 
friends' said she on her death bed, 'speak of me only; 
* as a lost, and undone sinner, saved, if ever saved, bf 
'grace alone, and never lavish any praises upon me 
4 after I am laid in the dust,'— an injunction with w T hich 
they find it difficult to comply. 

She was an engaged christian. It was evident to all 
acquainted with her, that God was in all her thoughts, 
and that she aimed habitually to serve and please him. 
In no conversation did she delight so much as in that 
which related to the honor of the Redeemer, and the 
salvation of immortal souls. Intelligence of a sinner 
brought to repentance, or of a revival of religion in 



232 

any of the churches, was refreshing to her soul, Wheiv 
ever it was her province in company to lead in con- 
versation, with unassuming" modesty and winning' affa- 
bility she would introduce some serious and instruc- 
tive topic of discourse, adapted to lead the minds of 
the company to meditate upon Christ and the wonders 
of redeeming- love. Whenever she had pupils under 
her care, she was no less concerned for their immor- 
tal welfare, than for their improvement in the com- 
mon branches of education. She was careful to make 
those impressions upon the youthful mind which had a 
rational tendency to advance their happiness in eter- 
nity, as well as promote their respectability in the 
world. She entertained a high opinion of her respon- 
sibility as an instructor of }^outh, and she endeavored 
to discharge the duty of christian fidelity. When her 
pupils left her, she followed them with her pious coun- 
sels and her prayers. 

She entertained a high opinion of female prayer- 
meetings. While she was engaged in Middieborough 
as Preceptress of the Academy, she persuaded the fe- 
male professors, ^specially the young ladies in that 
place who were pious, to form a society, and hold stat- 
ed meetings for prayer and other religious exercises 
by themselves. She exerted her influence however 
in a manner so unassuming as scarcely to be known 
or noticed in what she did. In their assemblies she 
always chose for herself the lowest seat. If she dis- 
covered that the members placed dependence upon 
her to conduct the exercises, she would not indeed de- 
cline the duty, but so managed as to persuade them 
all that their gifts were greater than hers. While she 
was herself the life of the society, she prevailed upon 
every one, however timid, to take an active part in the 
exercises of their meetings ; and would always have 
them esteem her inferior to themselves. 

In other places also she engaged with equal ardor 
in forming similar associations for prayer. In Plymp? 



233 

ton especially she supported a praying- circle among 
the female professors ; and exerted her influence to 
maintain the life and power of religion in the church. 
We presume the professors of religion in that place 
will all testify, that her influence was not without ef- 
fect. They will long" remember with what earnest* 
ness she pressed it upon them to be watchful and 
prayerful, and zealous in the cause of Christ. 

Her eng-agedness in religion did not all evaporate 
in lamentations respecting- the coldness of professors, 
nor spend itself in reproaches, or in censorious reviling* 
of christians for being- stupid, and lifeless, and formal 
in religious duties. If she reproached any one, it was 
always herself. She had more fear of discovering that 
she had been herself the Judas of the company, the 
Achan in the camp, than concern to fix that stigma 
upon the character of another. It appears by many 
of her letters that she was too sensible of her own im» 
perfections, too humble in her own estimation, to be 
severe or acrimonious in her censures. She condemn- 
ed none but herself. 

In the cause of Missions she was peculiarly interest- 
ed. This was a favorite theme in her letters to her 
friends. In every instance of success attending- the 
American Missions among the heathen she rejoiced, 
as if receiving- the reward of her own labors, or an 
answer to her own praj^ers. She was happily calcul- 
ated to persuade others to aid the missionary cause. 
She was so mild in her address that none could be of- 
fended, tho' she urged them to bestow their much 
loved treasure. She was not so much engaged how- 
ever in soliciting* donations for the missions, as in per- 
suading- her friends to form societies for this object.— 
In this respect her labors were crowned with a bles- 
sing-. The " Heathen's Friend" Societies were the fruit 
of her influence. Her agency was scarcely visible', 
jet she was under providence the primary cnuse df 
the existence of them all. 



234 

The last labors of her life were devoted to this ob- 
ject. She had requested her christian friends in 
Plympton to send a box of clothing* to the Missiona- 
ries. The donations were collected at her house. — 
When she had disposed of her own worldly cares, had 
set her house in order, and lived only in expectation 
of her departure, it was her employment to make up 
clothing for the children of the forest at the mission 
schools. Tho' unable to sit in a chair, she could re- 
cline on her pillow, and assist it making" some small 
garments for the Indian children. This employment 
was a gratification to her benevolent heart. This in* 
cident proves that love to the missionary cause, and a 
desire to do good, was in her like "a ruling passion, 
strong in death." 

Mrs. Dexter's charitable sympathies were not ex- 
cited merely by the wants of the heathen in Hindos- 
tan, nor did she make garments for the children of the 
forest, while the wants of the poor in her own neigh* 
borhood were neglected. Her heart was moved by 
distress, wherever it met her eye. The cause of the 
poor around her she searched out ; and with the char- 
itable donation in her hand she oft repaired to their 
humble abode. She was never rich, of course she 
could never give much ; but she gave according to 
her ability ; and when the gratitude of the poor was 
excited by her bounty, she improved the happy mo- 
ment to suggest some faithful admonition, and serious 
advice ; and if the poor were in any special affliction 
or in sickness, she would kneel by their bed-side, and 
in prayer commend them to the mercy of God. 

Her character as a wife and a mother also deserves 
commendation. To say that her conduct in these re- 
lations was exemplary is but faint praise. Her pru- 
dence and economy in domestic affairs were such as 
became one in her station, with an income merely 
sufficient to meet the current expenses of a family 
and farmish an occasional gratuity to the poor, or con- 



235 

tribution to the treasury of the Lord. She was eeoir 
omical from principle, but without parsimony. 

She was the happy parent of several children, two 
of whom survived her. Only one of them was of suf- 
ficient age to be benefitted by maternal instruction; but 
he will long remember, we presume, with what assid- 
uity his deceased mother labored to instill into his 
mind all that was valuable in human knowledge, adapt- 
ed to his tender years ; and above all to inspire him 
with the fear of God which is the beginning of wis- 
dom. She labored to teach him the first principles of 
the oracles of God, and her instructions were accom- 
panied with many fervent prayers for his conversion 
in early life, for his usefulness and happiness in this 
world, as well as for his salvation. 

She shone especially as a minister's wife. Those 
who are acquainted with the manners and customs of 
New-England, especially in the country towns, will 
readily concede, that the station of a clergyman's wife 
is one of peculiar responsibility. The deference which 
is usually paid her gives her extensive influence, and 
: she may be a useful counsellor to the anxious enquir- 
i er, especially of her own sex. In times of attention 
j or revival her friendly visits to the thoughtful, the en- 
' quiring, or to those who are rejoicing in hope, may be 
attended with most salutary effects. If she be pious 
I and discrete, and be familiarly acquainted with the 
j elementary doctrines of the gospel, she may often 
i answer enquiries, comfort the feeble-minded, and com- 
municate instruction without that magisterial gravity, 
which is repulsive, and with that condescending affa- 
bility, which at once invites to confidence and per- 
suades to piety. By her influence also she may re- 
press those extravagances in young converts, which 
bring discredit upon true religion, and by a word in 
season make impressions upon the susceptible miudj 
the effects of which will be felt in eternity. 

Mrs. Dexter was qualified for this station ; and she 



236 

exerted her talents for usefulness as Providence furn- 
ished opportunity. To what extent her labors were 
blessed in giving" pertinent advice, and seasonable in- 
struction will appear in the disclosures of a future day. 
We trust there are some in Plympton and other plac- 
es, who will rise up at the day of Judgment and call 
her blessed. 

In parish controversies and dissensions respecting 
religion a clergyman's wife may be called to act, not 
a conspicuous, but a useful part. Her province at 
such times is not to give counsel, or prescribe meas- 
ures for others to pursue, but by her example to re- 
commend evangelical religion, — by her gentle and 
humble and heavenly deportment toward opponents to 
conciliate their esteem. Mrs. Dexter was qualified 
to act this part. While her unaffected piety, and 
gentle yet dignified demeanor, made her family circle 
the delight of her husband, and pleasant to all their 
visitors, she conciliated the esteem and respect of the 
parishioners ; and their esteem for her and her family 
contributed much to facilitate their friendly recep- 
tion of the word of truth ; and to induce them to aid 
in supporting the gospel. She was a peace-maker, 
not by any direct influence, much less by craft and 
management, but by being without design, open, can- 
did, gentle, calming dissension by her meekness, and 
her talent to attract esteem. On this account many 
i» Plympton have reason to lament her loss. They 
have not indeed been insensible of her worth ; and if - 
the grief of her husband could have been alleviated 
by sympathy, his sorrows were lightened at her death, 
for he had many to share his regrets and his tears. 

Her death was a loss to society. But death was 
gain to her. She sleeps in Jesus. Hers is the prom- 
ise of a glorious resurrection "Them that sleep in Je* 
sum shall God bring with him." 



SERMON, 



DELIVERED AT THE FUNERAL 
OF 

MRS. MARY DEXTER: 

AT PLYMPTON, 
OCTOBER, 11, 1822* 



BY SYLVESTER HOLMES, 

Pastor of the Congregational Church in 
New Bedford. 



SERMON. 



"Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, ye 
my friends ; for the hand of God hath touched 
me."— Job 19, 21. 

After all the distinctions among men, form- 
ed by climate, education, and other circum- 
stances, a strong resemblance is manifest in 
the formation of their bodies and in the con- 
struction of their minds. Every man bears 
about with him indelible marks of his relation 
to one common parent, consequently that he 
is a brother to the whole human family. It 
was intended that friendly intercourse ^should 
prevail throughout this extensive fraternity ; 
and that all should exercise the same care one 
of another. 

Man was formed for society, and not to be 
indifferent to the joys and misfortunes of 
others. The duty of weeping with them 
that weep, and of rejoicing with them that re- 
joice, arises from the relation he sustains to 
them. Benevolence should induce him to 
participate in the joys of his neighbor's pros- 
perity, tenderness and pity of heart should 



233 

influence him to make the sorrows of another 
his own. " Remember them that are in 
bonds as bound with them; and them which 
suffer adversity as being yourselves also in 
the body." 

The man who can look, with tearless eye 
and an unfeeling heart, on the sorrows of 
other men, exhibits one strong mark of de- 
pravity. He is w Without natural affec- 
tion." Such monsters of adamantine hard- 
ness are found, who appear to be lost to all 
sensibility, *nd void of every feeling of hu- 
manity. The man of affliction may as well 
expect the rocks to weep at his grief as to 
find sympathy in such characters. 

Yet there are men of better feelings; men 
who have been recovered in a measure, by 
grace, from the direful effects of the fall. — 
These, addressed in the moving language of 
the text, bear an interested part in the trials 
of other men. 

The sentiment of the passage to be consid- 
ered is the following — When the hand of God 
in affliction rests upon his people, the sym- 
pathy and kindness of friends is peculiarly 
acceptable. 

We find the sentiment of the text^ as now 
expressed, fully proved and exemplified in the 
character and history of Job. In proof of his 
piety we have the testimony of the highest 
authority, even that of God himself,, by whom 



240 

he is styled a perfect and upright man. The 
manner in which he managed his family fully 
proved that he did fear God and eschew evil, 
" He sanctified his children, and rose up early 
in the morning, and offered burnt offerings ac- 
cording to the number of them all ; for Job 
said, it may be that my sons have sinned, and 
cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job 
continually." The resolution of Joshua, 
seemed to be his steady purpose, — "As for 
me and my house, we will serve the Lord." — ? 
He not only had the best of riches in heaven, 
but extensive possessions on earth ; so that 
this man was greatest of all the men of the 
east. He had a very great household, and in 
his flocks he numbered many thousands. To 
him there were born seven sons and three 
daughters. Heaven seemed to smile on all, 
to which he put his hand, and on all with 
which he was connected. 

Here we see the good man rising with the 
flowing tide of prosperity. But alas the time 
had come, when God would assert his right to 
reverse the scene, and pull down as well as 
build up. God, who had smiled upon his de- 
voted servant, drew about himself clouds and 
darkness; and opened before Job a scene of 
sorrow, a succession of calamities, which had 
not an example in the history of man. 

The Most High, who raises or sinks the 
comforts of his creatures at his pleasure, usu- 



241 

ally causes many msrcies to intervene be* 
tween the strokes from the hand of correc- 
tion. The case before us forms an exception 
to this general rule. When God began, he 
moved on in spreading desolation and death 
about his servant, till he fell down before him, 
and said, " Naked came I out of my mother's 
womb, and naked shall I return thither; the 
Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away : 
blessed be the name of the Lord." The mes- 
sengers, who brought an account of his losses 
in property and servants, followed each other 
in quick succession. One had scarcely fin- 
ished his story before ^another came. Thus 
in a few moments he saw himself let down 
from affluence to absolute poverty. He seems 
to have listened to all this with silent aston- 
ishment, enquiring no doubt why God dealt 
thus with him. We may well suppose, while 
his riches fled in different ways, he might 
have consoled himself in the recollection that 
he had friends, whose life was inconceivably 
more valuable than the continuance of riches. 
But he Itttle knew what remained yet to be 
told. What he had heard was but the begin- 
ing of sorrow; but a small part of what God 
had already done. 

44 There came another servant and said, thy 
^ons and thy daughters were eating and drink- 
ing wine in their eldest brother's house, and 
behold, there came a great wind from th^ 

■ 20 



242 

wilderness, and smote the four corners of the 
house, and it fell upon the young men, and 
they are dead ; and I only am escaped alone 
to tell thee. Then Job arose, and rent his 
mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down 
Upon the ground, and worshipped," 

The very mention of his children, after 
such repeated losses, must have excited feel- 
ings, to which every heart, except that of the 
parent, is a stranger. Whatever he might 
have imagined, it could not have been more 
dreadful than the event* It was notone,two 5 
iive, or even nine, but the ten were taken* 
None were left to weep with a bereaved father* 
Heaven, the elements and men, all seem to 
have armed themselves, and combined to 
make a finish of his comforts in a single 
day. 

Did circumstances require, we might fol- 
low the narrative still farther, and see waves 
of sorrow and billows of trouble still more 
dreadful roll over him. But we will pursue 
the dealings of God with this man no farther. 
We only ask, that it may be clearly under- 
stood and distinctly recollected, that this was 
a truly righteous man, and that all his pains, 
disappointments, and trials were ordered and 
directed by God. 

Were it necessary to offer farther proof, 
that the hand of God at times rests heavily 
on his own people, we^ might present you «t 



243 

list of names like fhat given by Paul in hi$ 
epitle to the Hebrews. — "They had trial of 
cruel mockings and scourgings, yea moreover 
of bonds and imprisonment. They were 
stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempt? 
ed, were slain with the sword; they wander- 
ed about in sheep skins and goat skins •, being 
destitute, afflicted, tormented ; of whom the 
world was not worthy ; they wandered in de- 
parts, and in mountains, and in dens,and caves 
of the earth." 

Indeed 1 need not look back to the pro-' 
jphete, or even to our fathers, to illustrate and 
■prove the sentiment before us. The passing 
fevcnts of each day, and the scenes, with 
which we are perpetually conversant, show 
|hat many are the afflictions of the righteous. 
While they are subject to the same passions 
as other men, and sustain all the relations of 
life; they are subject to the same bereav- 
inents and losses. They know the strength 
of conjugal affection ; they feel the tender- 
ness of parental love, and all the various ties 
of nature; consequently what it is to have 
these cords broken, and these connexions 
dissolved. 

We proceed to observe that the sympathy 
and pity of friends under these circumstances 
are peculiarly acceptable. In every condi- 
tion of human life remove all friends, and this, 
world is changed into a dreary abode indeed ? 



244 

particularly in adversity. That such friend- 
ship is a duty, may be proved by the example 
of all good men in their intercourse with men 
of sorrow, especially of the household of 
faith. Among the many examples w r e might 
Introduce, one only will be given. This is 
found in the character of Job. His language 
is as follows. — "Did not my heart weep for 
him that was in trouble? Was not nry soul 
grieved for the poor? Did not he that made 
me in the womb make him, and did not one 
fashion us in the womb? If I have withheld 
the poor from their desire, or caused the eyes 
of the widow to fail ; or have eaten my mor- 
sel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not 
eaten thereof; (for from my youth he was 
brought up with me, as with a father, and I 
have guided her from my mother's womb :) If 
I have seen any perish for want of clothing; 
or any poor without covering; If his loins 
have not blessed me, and if his loins were not 
warmed with the fleece of my sheep; If I 
have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, 
when I saw my help in the gate; then let 
mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and 
mine arm be broken from the bone." Such 
had been the feelings, and such the conduct 
of the man, who makes the pathetic appeal in 
the text. He only asked that others should 
do to him, as he had done to the sons an(J 
daughters of sorrow. He, flow felt the need 



245 

of having that kindness reciprocated which he 
had manifested toward such as experienced a 
reverse of fortune. The bitterness of his 
spirit, the anguish of his soul, taught him that 
the pity of friends would be like a cordial or 
an healing balm. 

Even the Savior himself seemed to call for 
the same sympathy, while his soul was ex- 
ceeding sorrowful even unto death. When 
bearing the iniquities of a ruined world, he 
enquired of his disciples, if they could not 
watch with hirn one hour. As much as if he 
had said, "Are not my sufferings and my sor- 
rows an object of sufficient interest to induce 
you to dispense with sleep for a single hour ? 
Have you not sympathy enough for your suf- 
fering Savior to make $ sacrifice so incon- 
siderable P 

So important and valuable is the kindness 
and pity shown to a friend in adversity, that 
the Apostle tells us, pure and undefiled relig- 
ion is to visit the widow and the fatherless in 
affliction, together with keeping ourselves un- 
spotted from the world. 

Little attentions, that would be unnoticed 
in prosperity, are magnified into important 
favors in a day of trouble. The kindness of 
a servant in affliction is more important than 
the attention of a monarch in prosperity. A 
man in affluence may learn who are pleased 
with his favors, but a man in the depths q£ 



246 

sorrow becomes acquainted with his real 
friends. 

Suffer me to rest the proof of this point on 
the experience of this congregation. Call to 
mind, my brethren, the day when, by some 
unexpected providence, you lost your worldly 
substance. Remember when an affectionate 
father or tender mother slept in death.— 
Think of the day, which tore from your bos- 
om some beloved child. Look over your 
feelings when left a widow, with a number of 
helpless and fatherless children. Let the 
scene pass in review, when the desire of your 
eyes, the companion of your youth, the moth- 
er of your children, sunk into the arms of 
death, and with a flattering tongue bid you a 
long, a final farewell. What impressions were 
then made by the pity and kindness of such as 
were alive to your sorrow, and mingled their 
tears with yours ? Were they not deep and 
lasting, and will they not go with you down 
to the bed of death? Who then but must say 
with Solomon, "A friend loveth at all times, 
and a brother is born for adversity." 

It remains that we improve and apply the 
subject in conformity to the mournful circum- 
stances under which we are assembled. 

1 . Does the hand of affliction rest upon the 
habitation of the righteous ? Then we may 
conclude there are important reasons why it 
should be so. God never forgets his promise, 






247 

that all things shall work together for good 
to them that love htm* When in the hottest 
furnace, one like unto the Son of God is sent 
to walk with them. The good mans God in- 
tends he shall have beauty for ashes^ the oil 
of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise 
for a spirit of heaviness. If a right eye be ta- 
ken out, or a right hand taken off, it is that 
their entrance into heaven may be made sure* 
Since he does not afflict willingly, nor grieve 
his children, if they are called to relinquish 
their choicest earthly blessings, it only in- 
creases their eternal weight of glory. " What 
I do ye know not now, but ye shall know 
hereafter," is written by the finger of God on 
every trial of the saints. 

2. The child of God in all his trials has an 
unfailing source of consolation. The cup, 
however bitter, is mixed and given him by 
that God in whose government he has the 
utmost confidence. Job, when he called for 
the pity of friends, was careful to tell them, it 
was not by chance he was in trouble, the hand 
of God had touched him. The christian has 
not to say, when accumulated sorrows and 
trials await him, an enemy hath done this. — 
No: he sees the hand of wisdom, of mercy, 
and of kindness in it all. He sees that the 
whole matter was directed by his best friend* 
He may well enquire, " Shall we receive good 
from the hand of the Lord, and shall we not 



248 

rfccieve evil ?" The believer is satisfied that 
his God does not change,when his own cir- 
cumstances are Changed, In this the saints 
have always found their consolation in adver- 
sity, " It is the Lord, let him do as seemeth 
him good." When darkness and clouds are 
round about him, righteousness and judgment 
are the habitation of his throne. 

3. If the pity and kindness of friends are 
peculiarly acceptable to the sons and daugh- 
ters of affliction, then the people of God have 
it in their power to do much, which may 
smooth the rugged path to a neighbor. Hear 
what the Savior says. — " In as much as ye 
have done it unto the least of these my breth- 
ren, ye have done it unto me." Open your 
ear then to hear the story of your neighbor's 
sorrows, and your heart to his sufferings. — 
You do, you must meet with many in this 
vale of tears, whose circumstances commend 
them to your commiseration. Let the abode 
of poverty and want be cheered by your kind- 
ness. Let the pillow of the sick and dying 
be softened by your prayers and gracious 
words. Let the house of mourning see that 
your heart is made of tenderness ; — that you 
are willing to share a part in the sufferings of 
the afflicted. Never, my brethren, be deaf to 
the entreaty in the text. "'Have mercy upon 
me, have mercy upon me, O ye my friends : far 
the hand, of God hath touched meP 



249 

4. If the condition of the afflicted call 
for consolation and the compassion of friends, 
then the present circumstances of him, who is 
the Pastor of this church, speak most feeling- 
ly the language of the text. 

Dear Brother, you will permit me freely 
to express the feelings of my heart on this 
occasion. Little did I think, when solemniz- 
ing the covenant between you and your be- 
loved Mary, I should so soon be called to ten- 
der the sympathies of my heart to you, while 
the mourning father of motherless children. 
But so it is, my Brother, God hath taken from 
you a beloved part of yourself ; the dearest of 
all earthly friends to you. Be assured that 
he who speaks feels for you ; but he cannot 
feel what you feel. Your heart, and yours 
alone, can fully know the pain of that separa- 
tion which is now formed. I am fully aware 
that of all men, the minister of Christ most 
needs the company, the tenderness, tlie en- 
couragement and the prayers of a good wife ; 
and such I confidently say was yours. With 
a temper naturally amiable, a heart constitu- 
tionally tender and affectionate, a mind well 
informed, and above all with the image of Je- 
sus stamped upon her soul by the grace of 
God, she was well suited to fill the station, 
in which the head of the church placed her. 

While in her your children had a mother 
kind, watchful, and prayerful, who was al- 

21 



250 

tvays alive to their best interest in this and at 
future life ; your house was made pleasant to 
all who called, especially to your brethren in 
office. In the last mentioned situation, none 
knew her better than I, and few have more 
reason to lament her death. 

It was my privilege to know her, not mere- 
ly as we know hundreds whose faces are fami- 
liar, but to whose hearts we are strangers.— 
As she was once a resident in my family, 
God gave me opportunity to see the graces of 
the christian shine in an eminent degree 
through that covering of humility^ she ever 
wore. I do not say she was perfect. This her 
tears of contrition before God, would deny; 
But I do say as little guile appeared in her, as 
in any person I ever knew. She never in any 
respect saught display. From this her heart 
revolted. In all company a low place was 
chosen for herself, and an exalted one for her 
Savior. She practically said, 'God forbid 
that I should glory in any thing, save in the 
cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which I 
am crucified to the world, and the world to 
me.-' The glory of God, the honor of his Son, 
the success of truth, arid the salvation of sin- 
ners, constituted the supreme end and meas- 
ure of her actions. 

Who then but must see, my afflicted friend* 
that she was calculated to make your life hap- 
Py> your house to you the most desirable 
place on earth, and no less to promote your 



251 

usefulness as a minister of Christ. But I 
would not forget, that I am doing that which 
is like taking here and there a sentence from 
a volume, and placing them before one, who 
is acquainted wilh all it contains. You knew 
her virtues and consequently how to estimate 
her worth. You saw her humilitj^herlove for 
the truth, her zeal for God. But she is gone. 
Yes, dear Sir, yours was the mournful privi- 
lege of seeing her die ; or rather fall asleep, a 
privilege of which many who loved her were 
deprived. 

You had opportunity to see her faith, her 
submission, her confidence, tried by a pro- 
tracted and most painful confinement. When 
God put forth his hand and touched her, she 
did not, as the enemy would direct, deny 
God; but calmly said, " Shall we receive 
good at the hand of the Lord and shall we 
not receive evil ?" A greater opportunity 
you could not have asked to see that your 
wife, in spirit, was assimilated to Christ, and 
suited to higher enjoyments than the church 
ipilitant could afford. You saw her faith un? 
shaken, her hope gather strength, and her 
evidences brighten. You beheld her trans- 
porting views at the opening scenes of a bet- 
ter world. You saw that she could take her 
leave of father, mother, brother, and sister, 
without a wish to prrotract her stay. And 
more, that she could leave those lovely sons 



252 

with her God, over whom she had shed so 
many tears of parental tenderness and chris- 
tian anxiety. And, what is still more than 
all, tho' she loved her husband, she loved her 
Jesus more, and desired to depart and be with 
him. 

While you may say, in this repeated stroke 
of divine providence, ' whose sorrow is like 
unto my sorrow,' let not your heart forget 
the mercies, with which your cup is mixed.— 
Jewell, far removed from his native home, 
from christian society, and the sympathizing 
tears of family relatives, resigned his Harriet 
to the hand of death. You have passed these 
deep waters in the bosom of the church, in 
your own house, furnished with every con- 
venience, and attended by the kindest father 
and the most affectionate mother. 

May I not, my afflicted brother, commend 
you to that grace,, which so abundantly sup- 
ported your departed companion? Has not 
God already made his promise good, " My 
grace is sufficient for thee ?" Did you not 
find it so, while lamenting the loss of a form- 
er, and most valuable wife ? You will find God 
faithful in all trials, through which you may 
pass, before you join them that sleep in Jesus, 
I would not needlessly aggravate your sor- 
rows, but permit me to say in conclusion, 
you have yet to know much of the loss you 
sustain. This you will see more in connexion 



253 

with your children than in any other way. 
When you look on then*, when you hear 
them weep, when you see them sick, the 
wound will be opened afresh, and you may 
exclaim, 4 the loss of a mother's care.' But 
did not their mother say, and that repeatedly, 
she could trust them with God ? May you be 
enabled to do likewise. Apply to your own 
case those considerations you have so often 
offered to others under similar circumstances. 
Look to that God to whom you have pointed 
others in affliction. I hope, I pray, you may 
have more wisdom, more grace, and act more 
in character, as a minister of Christ, than I 
should, were my soul in jour souls stead. Fin- 
ally, my brother,be strong in the Lord. In the 
multitude of your thoughts let the comforts of 
God delight your soul ; and know, that a few 
more trials, a few more tears, and conflicts, 
and the victory is won, the crown is yours. 

The father and mother of our departed sis- 
ter remind us of pur text. With you, my 
dear friends, I know how to feel. You have 
lost an only daughter, yes your Mary is gone 
to return no more. Twice I have been called 
myself to cast the last wishful look toward an 
only son. Mine lived to gain my affections 
and then died. — Your daughter lived to be a 
blessing to your declining years, and doubt- 
less you might have expected her to smooth 
your dying pillow and then follow you to the 



grave. This you now see was not God 5 s way. 
She was ripe for the harvest, and to ripen 
you she has entered the kingdom first. She 
was all you could ask in a child. God has ta- 
ken from you a valuable gift 5 but remember 
it is no more than he gave. For a moment 
enquire how much right you had in this object 
of your parental love. She belonged to God 
by creation. He preserved her in the midst 
of death more than thirty years. He gave 
bis own and only Son to redeem her. He 
sent his Spirit to renew and sanctify her 
heart. You consecrated her to God in her in- 
fancy, and what is more, she gave herself to 
God and that by your consent. Must you 
not say on a review of these circumstances, is 
it not the language of your heart, u The Lord 
gave and the Lord hath taken away, and bles- 
sed be his name. 55 

If she could speak on this occasion, would 
she not say, ; Beloved parents dry your tears V 
" It is the Lord, let him do as seemeth him 
good. 55 If you loved me in life, and desired 
and prayed for my highest happiness, be as- 
sured it is now promoted by my removal from 
you, My body, which was so long the sub- 
ject of pain, is now at rest; and my spirit, 
which was burdened with sin, is now set at 
liberty and admitted to the uninterrupted en- 
joyment of him, whom my soul loved on 
£arth.' You loved her too much to have her; 



255 

l^ept out of heaven a single hour for your per- 
sonal gratification. But after all, experience 
has taught me that the parent's heart will 
bleed and the tear will fall at the recollection 
of a beloved child, who has taken a final leave 
of earthly connexions* Be it so. — Davi4 
wept bitterly at the death of a child, and gave 
vent to his feelings in the most moving 
strains. "And the king was much moved and 
went up to the chamber over the gate, and 
wept ; and as he went thus he said, O my son 
Absalom ! my son, my son Absalom ! would 
to God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my 
son, my son !" Christ himself has given us 
an example of weeping at the grave of one he 
greatly loved. In this hour there is consola- 
tion, much consolation. Tho' you?: daughter 
will not return to you, you will go to her. — 
The gray hairs tell me the day is not far dis- 
tant. She, who so often met you at her door 
and welcojned you to her earthly mansion, 
will meet you at the gate pf heaven and wel- 
come you to the participation of those joys 
which are not interrupted by separation. In 
your remaining days quicken your step in the 
narrow way. As you have now but one child 
to pray for, let your prayers for him be more 
frequent and more fervent. As you love the 
children, who are now left without a mother, 
do as Mary did. Pray for them. Afflicted 
friends, we commend you to that God, who i§ 



me 

able to conduct you through every tribulation 
and bring you to the rest remaining for his 
people. 

The affliction of the surviving brother to- 
gether with bis companion, in our consola- 
tory addresses, calls for a remembrance. The? 
loss you sustain in the example and prayers 
bf yopr sister, time itself cannot estimate. — 
For your salvation she felt the deepest con- 
cern ? About this she conversed; for this she 
prayed, But her work is done. Her feet 
3tand on the other side of Jordan. It now re- 
mains that you be as she was ir\ all things, in 
which she was like her Divine Master. It 
was to the last her desire, that all the in- 
fluence given you by the rank you hold 
in society should be consecrated to God. Per- 
mit me to ask, have you the same precious 
faith you saw in her? Have you that gracious 
hope whi,ch cheered her soul in the near ap- 
proach of death ? If so, you have consolation 
in the day of trial. 

Turn your eyes toward your bereaved 
brother, then toward the remains of your de- 
parted sister, and learn what may soon be wit- 
nessed in your own family. Look on the 
potherless child, recollect the infant; then 
Jet your own children pass before your minds, 
Without father or mother, and will not the 
anticipation awaken you to the discharge of 
pyery parental duty, with a hope that your 



257 

children, should they be orphans, may have a 
father, a friend in heaven. All you do fo^ 
your own salvation must be done soon. All 
the prayers you offer for your children, must 
be offered soon* All you do to promote the 
interests of Zion, must be done soon. For 
this I say, beloved friends, time is short* 
While you mark the perfect nian, and behold 
the upright, and see that the end of that man 
is peace; may yours be the life which is con- 
nected with such a death; that when you 
shall have served your generation, you may 
recommence your acquaintance with her who 
is gone in the songs and joys of a better 
state. 

Other particular relatives of the deseased 
and of the bereaved husband must be passed 
without particular attention, not however 
without our most sincere sympathy and fer- 
vent prayers. 

For a moment we turn our attention to the 
church in this place. Beloved in the Lord, 
another is taken from your number. In this 
you have not only lost a sister, who deserv- 
edly stood high in your estimation, but your 
minister has lost his dearest earthly friend. 
He is left, as you see him this day, with two 
motherless children. Turn your eyes to 
that part of the house, where this affecting 
sight is to be seen. I ask you to do this ; for 
if a minister, in his affliction, does not find 



258 

friends and consolation in the church, where 
on earth shall he expect to find it. May he, 
who is now in the depths of sorrow, find in 
every member of this church a heart open to 
his grief. Stay not by your own fire-sides 
and wish him consolation. Go to his house; 
visit him in his trouble, and manifest by your 
conduct, that you know the hand of the Lord 
hath touched him. Let him not have occa- 
sion to say hereafter, that any brother or sis- 
ter has been guilty of a neglect so great, as 
not once to have entered his doors in his trou- 
ble. Wait for no formalities ; the case admits 
of none; it requires none. Has not your 
minister been attentive to your bed, and to 
your house, when a house of mourning? Re- 
turn this kindness ; it is your duty; God has 
made it so. He is a man, and but a man, sub- 
ject to all the feelings and tender ties of other 
men j and comforted by the same things, that 
comfort other men? Tho' you will see np 
Mrs. Dexter in his house, you will see her 
afflicted husband, and motherless children 
there. Did she not feel for the orphan ? Were 
not her tears ready to flow when looking on a 
family as hers now is, and was she not ready 
toadminister as God gave her ability for their 
benefit? Has she not left an example in this 
respect worthy your imitation ? 

I am aware, my friends, that you have been 
kijprd to your minister in this day of trouble* 



As I love my brother, I feel bound to acknowl* 
edge all you have ever done, and pray that 
youmaybe rewarded. But permit me to say, 
let brotherly kindness continue and abound* 
His troubles will not end in a day, hence 
your sympathies must not. 

The sisters in this church will find a void 
in the social circle, and in all associations for 
benevolent purposes and praj'er. She who 
modestly led you in your devotions and chari- 
table efforts, is taken from you. Her seat is 
vacated, her voice is silenced by death. Let 
your prayer-meetings be continued. She may 
be present in spirit. Let the heathen be re- 
membered, and let not your contributions 
cease, because that name which so often ac- 
companied them is written on the records of 
the dead. May d mantle like hers fall on 
each of you, that like her you may be loved 
in life and lamented in death* 

My fathers and brethren in the ministry, 
While we aid in the solemnities of this day, 
and feel for our afflicted brother, let us apply 
the same to ourselves. Let this day admon- 
ish us to be more prayerful, more watchful, 
mor£ faithful. As we can be animated by the 
presence and instructed by the conversation 
of our sister no more, let us not be satisfied 
with a cold recollection of her virtues without 
any desire to emulate them. Which of us 
will next be called to these trials is known on- 



260 

ly to that God, from whom I pray we may s 
liave support. Shall we be found pursuing 
the determination of Joshua ? Blessed is that 
servant who when his Lord eometh shall 
be found thus employed. 

I have but a word to say to this congrega- 
tion, and then we part, it may be to meet no 
more. You have seen how the christian dies, 
and what are his consolations. Such cannot 
be your end, nor such your support, except 
you are born again. It is the religion of the 
Bible that does this, not a delusive system of 
man's devising. Dismiss all your vain hopes, 
lay aside your opposition to truth, renounce 
your confidence in error, and believe in 
Christ. So your end shall be that of the 
righteous, and your reward an unfading 
crown of glory. Amen, 



? S4 P ?g 



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